SK On, part of South Korea’s SK Group, completed its all-solid-state battery (ASSB) pilot plant on September 15 at the SK On Institute of Future Technology in Daejeon, 150 km south of Seoul. Attendees included CEO & President Seok-hee Lee, Institute Head Ki-soo Park, and Andrea Maier, head of Solid Power Korea. SK On and Solid Power have collaborated on ASSB research since last year.

Lee said: “This pilot plant will serve as a cornerstone for SK to leap forward as a strong and resilient company in addressing any changes in business environment. We aim to remain at the forefront of commercializing all-solid-state batteries to accelerate electrification.”

The 4,600?m² facility will develop sulfide-based ASSBs and lithium-metal batteries, producing prototypes and validating performance before full-scale production. SK On plans to commercialize ASSBs by 2029, initially targeting 800?Wh/L and aiming for 1,000?Wh/L in the long term.

The plant applies SK On’s proprietary “Warm Isostatic Press (WIP)-free” technology, optimizing electrode composition and pressing to reduce internal and interfacial resistance, improving ion transport, charging stability, and cycle life.

SK On also partners with institutions like Hanyang University, which in May 2025 achieved a threefold cycle life increase for sulfide-based ASSBs using protective-film technology on lithium-metal anodes. Patent applications for these innovations are filed domestically and internationally.

The pilot plant positions SK On to accelerate next-generation battery commercialization, enhance performance and safety, and support global electrification efforts.