[E-Daily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] All-solid-state batteries, often referred to as the “dream battery,” are moving beyond research and development (R&D) into the arena of commercialization competition. This month, South Korea’s three major battery companies have successively disclosed patents covering everything from materials to manufacturing processes. Although all-solid-state batteries are costly and difficult to mass-produce, the global competition—where “stopping investment means falling behind”—is showing signs of accelerating.

On the 28th, an analysis by Edaily of the patent status of the three major domestic battery companies confirmed that patents related to all-solid-state batteries from SAMSUNG SDI CO.,LTD., LG Energy Solution, and SK On have been disclosed in quick succession this month. SAMSUNG SDI CO.,LTD.’s patents cover all-solid-state cell manufacturing equipment, processes, and cathode technology, while LG Energy Solution’s patents cover cathode active materials, cell structures, and manufacturing methods. SK On also disclosed technology designed to reduce resistance within electrodes and enhance manufacturing process stability. Notably, this round of disclosures goes beyond mere improvements in material performance to include numerous process technologies—such as electrode lamination and compaction—necessary for actual production, signaling that the focus of the all-solid-state technology race is shifting toward mass production readiness.

All-solid-state batteries are a strategic product of the future attracting global attention, as they offer clear advantages over existing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in terms of safety, charging, and discharging performance. China’s BYD plans to unveil its first vehicle equipped with all-solid-state technology next year. CATL is moving forward with small-scale trial production. Japan’s Toyota is preparing to commercialize an all-solid-state electric vehicle, targeting next year or the year after. In South Korea, SAMSUNG SDI CO.,LTD. aims to complete preparations for mass production by the second half of next year. In a sense, next year will mark the debut of this “dream battery” on the market. According to the U.S. media outlet “InsideEVs,” Manfred Hahner, President of HyundaiMotor Group’s R&D Division, recently stated at a forum, “We cannot give up on the competition for all-solid-state batteries.”

It will be difficult for all-solid-state batteries to become the market mainstream right away. While replacing liquid electrolytes with solids can enhance safety and energy density, there are significant hurdles, including high material costs, complex manufacturing processes, and low yield rates. A senior industry official said, “Full-scale mass adoption, similar to that of LFP batteries, will likely not occur until around 2030.”

Nevertheless, the investment race is accelerating because companies risk being left behind if they fail to secure core technologies and mass-production experience before the market fully takes off. There is an underlying sense of urgency that, much like in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, an early technological gap could determine the future landscape of the market.