The world is locked in ice. Skyscrapers in New York City and the Statue of Liberty are buried waist-deep in snow, as if the Ice Age has returned. With the power out, people struggle to survive. This eerie scene from the 2004 disaster film The Day After Tomorrow felt almost prophetic when the devastating blizzards of 2022 hit the U.S. and Canada, bringing the movie’s chilling vision to mind for many.   | The rise of electric vehicles and secondary batteries Twenty years ago, there was something absent from the 2004 movie: electric vehicles (EVs), as there were not many on the roads at that time. However, things have changed. At the end of 2022, amid the chaos of a historic winter storm in North America that caused massive power outages affecting nearly 1 million homes and offices across Canada, a post on the major U.S. online community Reddit caught people’s attention. A Canadian shared how his Ford F-150 Lightning, equipped with SK On's NCM9* battery—developed in 2020 as the world's first—powered his fridge, Wi-Fi, lights, and TV for 44 hours during the blackout, and still had 65% of its battery left. His EV turned out to be a true lifesaver. *NCM9: a high-performance, high-nickel battery containing approximately 90% of nickel, along with cobalt and manganese In the past, we could only access electricity within the limits of power lines. Now, with the leap in secondary battery technology, we can use electricity freely, anytime and anywhere. As seen during the North American blizzard, these batteries kept life running smoothly despite power outages. They're also becoming essential backup power sources for critical facilities like hospitals and data centers. As technology advances, the usage of secondary batteries is set to expand even further.   | Secondary batteries - beyond smartphones and EVs, also inside our bodies?   🔍 Breaking the stereotype of just being a “mode of transport” Secondary batteries are the “heart” of electric vehicles, providing the power stored in large-capacity cells to run the motors. Unlike conventional cars that rely on burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or LPG to drive their engines, electric vehicles depend on these batteries. According to the International Energy Agency's Global EV Outlook 2024, electric vehicles sold in 2023 will emit roughly half the carbon dioxide of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles over their lifetime. This makes electric vehicles a cutting-edge solution for tackling climate change and accelerating the transition to clean energy. Based on their energy sources and operation, electric vehicles are typically classified into three main types: BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). BEVs operate their motors solely by electricity stored in their batteries and do not use internal combustion engines. This means they’re equipped with high-capacity batteries that provide impressive energy density and output. HEVs combine internal combustion engines with electric motors and typically use nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which are known for their durability and performance. PHEVs have larger battery capacities than HEVs and can be charged using external plugs. Electric vehicles are making headlines for their ability to act as portable power sources, thanks to their V2L** function, which allows them to supply power externally, ideal for camping and other situations where reliable electricity is less accessible. **V2L (Vehicle-to-Load): the ability of an EV to supply power to external devices and appliances using its battery     Recently, Canadian freelance journalist, Benjamin Hunting, shared his story on the Candian automotive news site Driving.ca, which quickly gained attention. He hosted his wedding in a forest outside the city, where the biggest challenge was the lack of electricity. The catering service needed ample power for cooking and lighting, and the guests needed to navigate the dark, wooded area safely. The solution? The Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. Its SK On’s NCM9 battery provided more than enough power to keep the event running smoothly, despite the limited electricity and plug availability at the venue, much to the journalist’s amazement. Benjamin Hunting praised the truck, calling it “a battery with a truck attached.” He added, “Even more impressive? After putting in a full 13 hours of work, the F-150’s battery was still at 94% capacity. ” He also noted, “We could have immediately slipped behind the wheel and driven off on our honeymoon without having to hit up a charger on our way out of town.”   🔍 Tackling power uncertainty with “this” solution Energy Storage Systems (ESS) not only alleviate peak load during high-demand periods by supplying stored power, but also act as critical backup during power outages, providing emergency support to essential facilities like communication centers and data hubs. Additionally, ESS optimizes energy consumption by efficiently storing and releasing excess energy from variable renewable sources such as solar and wind. SK On is currently developing commercial ESS batteries, prioritizing safety and offering comprehensive battery solutions, including optimized management systems for cells, modules, and racks. At InterBattery 2024, Korea’s largest battery exhibition held in March, SK On unveiled high-nickel and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) ESS modules, along with a next-generation DC block model that connects modules in series and parallel, capturing the attention of attendees. At the event, SK On also showcased its thermal propagation prevention solutions, certified for fire safety in North America, and a liquid cooling system designed to minimize cell temperature differences and enhance charging and discharging efficiency.   🔍 Small and lightweight batteries Secondary batteries are at the core of advancing everyday electronic devices like wireless earphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses. The latest smart devices are compact yet feature high-performance and other functions such as noise cancelling and AI, which drive up power demands and, in turn, increase the need for batteries with higher energy density. Consequently, the demand for higher energy density in the batteries used in these devices keeps growing. Recent innovations have led to the development of flexible batteries that can bend or even attach like stickers, thereby improving the comfort and usability of wearable devices.   🔍 Batteries operating inside the human body The development of miniature secondary batteries is expected to revolutionize modern healthcare. The batteries used in devices implanted inside the human body are directly linked to the patient's life, making reliability and safety a top priority. Recently, secondary batteries are powering advanced medical devices such as pacemakers, which replace the heart’s natural sinoatrial node***, and nerve stimulators. The application of secondary batteries in implantable medical devices is gradually becoming a reality. However, current limitations in battery capacity mean that replacement surgeries are still necessary after a certain period. Ongoing efforts are focused on addressing these power supply challenges. ***Sinoatrial node: generates electrical impulses that spread across the heart, causing the heart to contract and thereby regulating the rhythm of the heartbeat in mammals   🔍 Cutting the cords Secondary batteries have brought game-changing advancements to the field of factory automation and industrial robotics. Now, robots are liberated from power outlets and cables, granting them enhanced mobility. In particular, the logistics sector has seen a skyrocketing demand for robots equipped with secondary batteries. These robots include those used in warehouses and ports for unloading, locating, and packaging goods, as well as those utilizing tracking functions to deliver food to restaurant patrons, known as AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots). Additionally, there are last-mile delivery robots that use AI to autonomously detect and respond to their surroundings, delivering items right to the customer's doorstep. Thanks to advancements in secondary batteries, robots have been liberated from the constraints of power outlets, injecting new vitality into the industrial robot market.   | Transforming shapes for every need with versatile form factors     While both tiny batteries in wireless earphones and those powering large vehicles fall under the “secondary batteries” category, their shapes and properties vary significantly. This is because size and shape of the battery depend on the available space in the device, the battery's energy density, and its capacity. For EVs, multiple cells are often combined into a single pack, with manufacturers adopting different designs. So, what are the features of different secondary battery form factors? ■ Classic battery form – Cylindrical batteries Cylindrical batteries, resembling common household cells, are a classic choice in battery design. They use a jellyroll structure, with the cathode, anode, and separator rolled into a metal cylinder, filled with electrolytes, and then sealed. These batteries are cost-effective, easy to mass-produce, and offer a reliable supply. Although they feature high volumetric energy density, they have lower capacity and shorter lifespans compared to other types. This means multiple units must be bundled together for use in EVs, which drives up system costs.   🤔The 4 key components of secondary batteries - Cathode: During charging, ions lose electrons and are oxidized at the cathode; during discharging, ions gain electrons and are reduced. - Anode: During charging, ions gain electrons and are reduced at the anode; during discharging, ions lose electrons and are oxidized. The process is the opposite of the cathode. - Electrolyte: A substance that fills the space between the cathode and anode, facilitating the movement of ions within the battery. - Separator: A thin film positioned between the cathode and anode that prevents internal short circuits during charging and discharging. It allows ions to pass between the electrodes while ensuring electrons do not flow in the wrong direction.   ■ Power in a box – Prismatic batteries Shaped like a sleek rectangular box, prismatic batteries pack their cathode, anode, and separator layers inside an aluminum can. Although the round jellyroll structure inside the square case slightly reduces space efficiency, the aluminum shell enhances durability and resistance to external impacts. SK On unveiled a life-size model of the prototype of its prismatic battery at InterBattery 2023, highlighting its rapid charging capabilities.   ■ Batteries in a flexible film pouch – Pouch Batteries Pouch batteries, encased in a flexible film pouch, offer versatility in size and shape compared to cylindrical and prismatic batteries. Instead of using jellyroll structure, the anode, cathode, and separator layers are stacked, maximizing internal space and boosting energy density. This efficient design, combined with ease of processing, allows for a variety of shapes, making them ideal for thin and wide design. These qualities meet the diverse needs of EV manufacturers seeking customized battery solutions for different models. At InterBattery 2024, SK On, known for its expertise in pouch batteries, captivated the audience by unveiling its Advanced SF (Super Fast) battery, featuring impressive rapid charging capabilities. First introduced in 2021, the original SF battery, a high-nickel battery, can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. The new Advanced SF model enhances this process further, increasing energy density by 9% while maintaining the same quick charging time. This increase in energy density results in longer driving ranges for EVs on a single charge.   ■ Flat and round like a coin – Coin cell batteries Coin cells, small coin-shaped batteries, are essential components for small electronic devices such as wireless earphones or medical devices. Their compact size means all essential battery components must fit into a very limited space while ensuring reliable performance. As wearable devices become more sophisticated, their power needs grow as well, driving efforts to boost the energy density of coin cells.     What’s next for secondary batteries, the unsung heroes that have revolutionized our quality of life? It might be towards batteries with even higher safety and energy density. Beyond mere convenience, the innovation in our modes of transportation, lifestyle patterns, and infrastructure, coupled with global efforts to tackle climate change, leads to the development of next-generation batteries such as solid-state batteries. These technological advancements will be more than just performance improvements; they will be the key to a sustainable future!   ■ Related articles - ② The 4 key components of a secondary battery - ① The history of battery – From dream to reality

■ SK Enmove signed an agreement with Chilean SQM for the supply of iodine, a crucial material for next-gen automotive refrigerants ■ Aiming to become a global leader in refrigerant markets by securing supply chains for key materials   SK Enmove, a subsidiary of SK Innovation known for its leadership in the lubricants market and its focus on enhancing electrical efficiencies such as those in electric vehicles and thermal management, has proactively secured a stable supply of iodine. This crucial ingredient is vital for producing high-efficiency, next-generation automotive refrigerants. By utilizing this essential material, SK Enmove plans to develop advanced refrigerants that offer superior cooling and heating performance compared to current market offerings, positioning the company as an industry leader. On October 3 (KST), SK Enmove announced the signing a supply agreement for iodine with SQM, a leading global mining company operating in northern Chile and the world’s largest iodine producer. The specifics regarding the timing and quantities of the supply will be finalized upon the execution of the definitive agreement. In its latest Q2-2024 results, SQM announced that it anticipates annual sales exceeding 14,000 tons of iodine. This positions the company as a major player, accounting for approximately 35% of the global iodine supply. SK Enmove’s agreement with SQM is poised to significantly strengthen the global refrigerant supply chain. Notably, SQM has been recognized for reliably producing high-quality iodine for over 20 years while minimizing environmental impacts during lithium and iodine production. This partnership enhances SK Enmove’s commitment to a sustainable supply chain. In 2020, SQM joined the “Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)” to ensure ethical and eco-friendly mineral extraction practices. Existing refrigerants such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which were widely used in the first generation, were banned after 2010 due to their detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Subsequent generations using HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), though less harmful to the ozone, are now facing international restrictions due to their high global warming potential under ozone protection laws. In January this year, SK Enmove signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Motor Group to develop next-generation automotive refrigerants. These new refrigerants, designed to enhance cooling and heating performance compared to existing options, showed superior efficiency in tests conducted on Hyundai’s electric vehicle air conditioning systems, while also reducing energy consumption. In June, the new product was certified by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) with an R-Number*, signaling international compliance with safety and efficacy standards. *R-Number: certified by ASHRAE for refrigerant stability and properties, essential for refrigerant registration and certification In related news, on October 1st (local time in Santiago, Chile) Kim Wone-kee, CEO of SK Enmove, and Pablo Altimiras, CEO of SQM-Iodine Plant Nutrition Division, signed the Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the iodine supply. CEO of SK Enmove, Kim Wone-kee, remarked, "This collaboration with SQM, whose quality and production capabilities are well-verified, lays a solid foundation for the stable production and supply of next-generation automotive refrigerants. We will continue to build a robust value chain through partnerships with various global companies, aiming to become a leading global refrigerant company and a representative Energy Saving Company." Pablo Altimiras, CEO of SQM-Iodine Plant Nutrition Division, highlighted, “Signing this HOA with SK Enmove, a leader in lubricants and new energies, is a relevant milestone for SQM. This agreement gives us the possibility to think forward to a stable supply of iodine in a use that is currently non-existent, and to continue to grow in a sustainable way."   [Photo] Kim Wone-kee, CEO of SK Enmove (left) and Pablo Altimiras, CEO of SQM-Iodine Plant Nutrition Division (right) sign a Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the supply of iodine on October 1st in Santiago, Chile (local time).    ■ Related articles - Hyundai Motor and SK Enmove drive the development of Next-Generation Vehicle Refrigerants to expand the thermal management market

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Elias Disney   The dreams and hopes of children are like lanterns that brightly illuminate the world. To ensure these precious lights shine brightly for years to come, the members of SK Innovation affiliates have united with one heart to inspire and encourage the children. For the first time in SK Group history, they’ve teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation* to take part in the Wish Fulfillment Project for Children with Hard-to-Treat Diseases, such as leukemia and pediatric cancer, as well as other serious illnesses. This initiative, known as Wish Makers, reflects the company’s heartfelt commitment not just to consistently support and invest in future generations, but to offer practical help that empowers and profoundly changes their lives for the better. *Make-A-Wish Foundation: A global non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes for children with incurable diseases. After the Arizona Department of Public Safety fulfilled the wish of Chris Greicius, a young leukemia patient, to become a police officer in 1980, Chris's mother, Linda, and an officer named Frank were inspired to start the foundation. On May 8, members of SK Innovation affiliates launched the first cohort of Wish Makers, initiating a meaningful journey. Throughout the year, a total of 19 teams of dedicated employees, known as Wish Angels, have been working tirelessly to fulfill the dreams of children by crafting their Wish Stories. August 30 marked a special day as one of the eight Wish Kids from the first cohort, a child battling a severe illness named Theo, had his dream realized.   | Wish Day - When dreams take flight on paper airplanes    ▲ Wish Day video capturing the moment when Theo’s wish came true   Theo is a Wish Kid who has been battling leukemia since a young age. His wish was granted thanks to the dedication of Wish Maker team number 8, who maintained close communication with Theo. They found out that folding paper airplanes brought Theo joy and excitement during his fight against the illness. To make Theo's Wish Day unforgettable, the Wish Angels organized a special encounter with WePlay, the Korean national paper airplane team. Theo’s Wish Day took place at a gym near Dongdaemun in Seoul, on August 30. The day was filled with various activities, including an aerobatic flight performance class led by the WePlay team and a delicious meal tailored to Theo’s tastes. Seeing Theo's radiant smile as he folded and enthusiastically launched paper airplanes made the Wish Angel, Lee Jun-seok (Quality Operation Strategy Team, SK Energy), felt as though his own wish had been fulfilled. Let’s unfold the story from Jun-seok himself.     Until now, the volunteer programs I’ve participated in through my company have primarily focused on environmental cleanup activities and caring for elderly people living alone. Then, I learned about the Wish Maker project, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, much like the genie from Aladdin's lamp. With a few colleagues from our company club, we teamed up hoping to make a small social contribution, and that's how the seven of us got together and join this project. I clearly remember the first day of the orientation we received as Wish Angels. I couldn’t help but repeatedly wipe away my tears. What struck me the most was a statement from a child in the video who said, “I hate it the most when people tell me to stay strong.” It broke my heart to think about these children living each day with anxiety about their future, and how difficult that must be. It hit even closer to home because these children are around the same age as my own son. That’s when I resolved once again that I truly hoped we could offer even a small measure of help.     Finally, we got to meet our Wish Kid, Theo. He was much more energetic and cleverer than I expected. We could tell he had watched all the video messages we sent beforehand because he greeted each of us by name, perfectly. Although we went in determined to bring joy to Theo, it turned out we were the ones who had the happiest time. He showed us how to fold paper airplanes, and we played “Red Light, Green Light” together, laughing and just enjoying every moment. It was such a joyful experience for all of us. Theo’s wish was crystal clear: he really wanted to meet the paper airplane superstars; the national team called “WePlay”. Given his love for paper airplanes, we knew how much this meant to him. However, WePlay had a jam-packed schedule for the entire year, so getting them on board seemed almost impossible. We even tried to explore other wish options just in case, but Theo’s heart was set. Determined to fulfill his heartfelt dream, we all worked tirelessly, and our genuine efforts paid off. WePlay responded positively and agreed to meet Theo. A miracle indeed.     Theo had an amazing day with the WePlay team, enjoying his favorite dish - Korean black bean noodles, and learning how to fold paper airplanes before excitedly flying them. To make this day even more special, we, the Wish Angels, gifted Theo a bunch of memorable treasures: a trophy for winning the paper airplane contest, a personalized cake, a large banner with Theo's photo, and a photo album filled with cherished moments. From the very beginning to Wish Day, everyone poured their hearts into their roles, making this magical experience possible. Happiness isn’t something you can see or hold, but on that day, seeing Theo’s bright smile and hearing his laughter, made us feel that all our efforts had truly shone through. We truly felt and saw what happiness actually is. And when his mom told us how sad she was that the wish-granting project had come to an end, and thanked us, it was a moment of inexpressible joy and fulfillment. This experience showed me that even small acts of kindness, when put together, can bring hope. I was also deeply inspired by my fellow Wish Angels, who lived up to their names by being there for the others. Although our activity has ended, I hope that the Wish Maker project will continue to bring strength, joy, and happiness to more children. It’s a source of happiness not just for the kids, but for the volunteers too. I try to encourage more SK Innovation members to join and keep this wonderful spirit alive. Wish Maker, you’ve got this!       Since 2008, SK Innovation and its affiliates have been supporting medical expenses for children with rare diseases, contributing approximately KRW 3 billion over the past 15 years. This initiative not only gifts beautiful memories and positive energy to the children but also reinvigorates the will to fight for recovery for both the children and their families. Especially, this project has shown these children that dreams are not just fairy tales, but achievable wishes. Just as everyone hopes, we wish for these brave children to overcome their illnesses and keep their bright smiles shining. SK Innovation and its affiliates will continue their dedicated and genuine social contribution activities to support them relentlessly.   ■ Related articles - “Growing together with social enterprises through pro bono,” stories shared by SK Innovation CSR manager - The Great Music Festival in Hungary: “Breaking boundaries and discovering new abilities through music” - SK Innovation affiliates’ volunteer activities in H1 2024 “Stand together, make it better!” – Consistent efforts for big changes