■ SK On becomes only global battery manufacturer honored at Edison Awards for 2 straight years

■ Achievement reaffirms SK On´s position as industry leader driving positive change through innovation and sustainability

SK On, a leading global electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, announced today its Cobalt-free battery has won a Bronze award in the Smart Transportation category at the prestigious 2024 Edison Awards on April 18.

The latest honor not only shows SK On´s technological prowess but also underscores the company’s commitment to ethical innovation and sustainable progress in the green energy sector.

SK On´s Cobalt-free battery is considered a breakthrough in EV battery technologies, overcoming technological barriers in cobalt-free cathode material compositions.

Removing cobalt from traditional NCM cathode material compositions can limit a battery´s lifespan due to structural instability. SK On ironed out this challenge of lifespan deterioration by leveraging its proprietary technologies, specifically focused on single-crystal cathodes and doping. Furthermore, the company successfully addressed the energy density issue in cobalt-free batteries by utilizing its unique high-voltage cell design solutions.

The significance of SK On´s Cobalt-free battery extends beyond technological advancement as it also represents a crucial step toward promoting sustainable energy and transportation.

Cobalt, known for its high cost due to limited availability, is often associated with ethical concerns related to its extraction. In an effort to reduce reliance on cobalt and adhere to ethical and environmentally responsible practices, SK On began developing a cobalt-free battery. The company successfully developed the battery more than a year ahead of its target date.

The Bronze award marks the second consecutive year of recognition for SK On at the Edison Awards. In 2023, SK On´s NCM9 battery made history by winning the Bronze award, making SK On the first global battery manufacturer to receive such an honor.

“We are pleased to receive a Bronze award at the prestigious Edison Awards 2024 for our Cobalt-free battery,” said Kim Sang-jin, Head of Platform Research at SK On. “This achievement underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation while prioritizing environmental sustainability. SK On will continue developing battery technologies that foster positive environmental and societal impacts.”

Founded in 1987, the Edison Awards is one of the most prestigious accolades recognizing excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design, and innovation. The award was named in honor of the legendary inventor Thomas Edison.

[Photo] Kim Sang-jin, Head of Platform Research at SK On (right), receives a Bronze award in the Smart Transportation category from Rob Manes, Vice President of Business Development at Edison Universe, at the 2024 Edison Awards held at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Florida on the 18^th (local time).