Samsung SDI is taking full control of its Indiana battery plant. The South Korean cell maker is buying out General Motors’ 49.99% stake in their joint venture, according to a regulatory filing, ending GM’s ownership in the $3.5 billion factory.

That turns the New Carlisle, Indiana plant into Samsung SDI’s first wholly owned battery factory in North America.

1. Introduction: Cooling Is Usually Reserved for Gaming Flagships, But Mid-Range Phones Need It More

There are plenty of smartphones in the 2,000-yuan price range that focus on stacking specifications, but very few invest in advanced cooling systems.

Looking across the market, phones in this price segment are usually competing on performance, cameras, and fast charging. Cooling solutions are often mentioned only briefly—or ignored completely.

It is not because cooling is unimportant. The reason is simple: with limited costs, manufacturers usually spend their budget on features that users can immediately notice.

However, overheating and performance throttling are exactly the problems that trouble mid-range smartphone users the most.

Examples include:

• A phone becoming too hot to hold while navigating outdoors in summer
• Gaming frame rates dropping from 60fps to 40fps after half an hour
• The device overheating while charging and being used at the same time
• Reduced battery lifespan caused by long-term heat exposure

OPPO K15 is a practical all-round smartphone that brings an active cooling fan system into the 2K price segment.

OPPO K15 Review: 8000mAh Battery + Active Cooling Fan Makes It the Most Practical 2K Phone

The OPPO K15 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor, OPPO’s Tidal Engine optimization system, an 8000mAh large-capacity battery, and IP69 flagship-level water resistance.

It also features:

• Three 50MP cameras
• A large 5000mAh-class imaging system
• Active cooling fan
• Long-lasting battery performance

The phone aims to solve two of the biggest complaints among mid-range smartphone users:

1. Overheating
2. Running out of battery

Honestly, I did not have very high expectations for cooling performance on a 2K-range smartphone. With cost limitations, simply keeping temperatures under control is already considered good enough.

However, OPPO added an active cooling fan this time, making me curious:

Is the cooling fan just a marketing gimmick, or can it actually reduce temperatures?

Active Cooling Fan: More Than Just a Marketing Feature

The OPPO K15 uses a new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, featuring a built-in micro cooling fan.

According to OPPO, the cooling system can:

• Reduce temperature by 5°C within 5 minutes
• Keep fan noise as low as 30dB during full-speed operation

The fan is integrated with the rear camera module design. Thanks to this approach, the back cover remains completely flat without a large camera bump.

The entire phone is only:

• 8.27mm thick

This means the cooling system does not negatively affect the grip or overall feel.

After completing temperature tests, I found that the fan performed better than expected.

Adding a cooling fan to a 2K-range smartphone reminds me of installing a turbocharger on an economy car—not to make it a racing machine, but to ensure it does not lose power when climbing uphill.

For flagship gaming phones, cooling is about achieving peak performance.

For mid-range phones, cooling is about maintaining stable performance during daily use.

Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Designed for All-Day Use

The OPPO K15 features an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, providing enough endurance for heavy daily usage.

It supports:

• 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
• UFCS universal fast charging protocol
• PPS charging protocol
• Bypass charging
• Wired reverse charging

The bypass charging feature allows power to directly supply the motherboard instead of continuously charging the battery during gaming sessions.

This helps:

• Reduce heat generation
• Protect battery health
• Improve long-term durability

The reverse charging function also allows the phone to act as an emergency power source for accessories such as:

• Earbuds
• Smartwatches
• Other small devices

Camera System: Three 50MP Cameras in the 2K Segment

The OPPO K15 features three 50MP cameras:

• Rear main camera
• Ultra-wide-angle camera
• Front selfie camera

The main camera includes:

• 1/2-inch large sensor
• f/1.88 aperture
• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

The ultra-wide-angle camera offers:

• 143.3° ultra-wide field of view

The front camera supports:

• 50MP resolution
• Autofocus (AF)

For a phone in the 2K price segment, this camera configuration is quite generous.

Durability: IP69/IP68/IP66 Protection and Military-Grade Testing

The OPPO K15 focuses heavily on durability.

It supports:

• IP69 waterproof rating
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• IP66 protection
• Eight military-standard durability tests

The phone also features:

• Crystal Shield glass protection
• Metal middle frame

The combination makes it more resistant to:

• Drops
• Water exposure
• Dust
• Extreme environments

2. Design Review: Cloud Pattern Back Cover with Hidden Cooling Fan

The OPPO K15 features a 6.59-inch centered punch-hole flat display.

The rounded corners and narrow bezels provide a comfortable viewing experience.

The display supports:

• 1.5K resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate

Daily activities such as:

• Watching videos
• Switching apps
• Scrolling webpages

all feel smooth and responsive.

The front panel uses high-strength Crystal Shield glass, while the back cover has a smooth texture that reduces fingerprints.

Colors and Rear Design

The OPPO K15 comes in two colors:

• Speed White
• Wind Gray

The review unit is the Speed White version, featuring a unique cloud-pattern texture.

When light reflects across the surface, it creates a flowing storm-like visual effect.

At the bottom of the back panel is the text:

“ACTIVE COOLING, MASTER THE WIND”

This highlights the phone’s cooling identity without making the design look aggressive.

Camera Module and Cooling Fan Integration

The rear camera module is one of the most distinctive parts of the phone.

It uses:

• A square silver camera base
• Four corner screws
• Industrial-style design elements

Layout:

• Top left: Main camera
• Top right: Ultra-wide camera
• Bottom left: Cooling fan air intake
• Bottom right: Flash

The fan and camera system are integrated into one flat module.

Despite including an internal fan, the phone remains:

• 8.27mm thick
• Comfortable to hold
• Free from a large camera bump

This design is clever because many flagship phones now have large protruding camera modules, while the OPPO K15 maintains a cleaner back design.

3. Cooling Test: The Active Fan Actually Works — Overheating and Throttling Become Less of a Concern

When people think of smartphones with built-in cooling fans, gaming flagships usually come to mind.

However, for users in the 2K price segment, long-term stable performance is arguably more important.

Common scenarios such as:

• Outdoor navigation under strong sunlight
• Long gaming sessions
• Recording videos for extended periods
• Using the phone while charging

can easily cause mid-range phones to heat up and reduce performance.

The OPPO K15 features the new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, which uses a three-layer cooling solution:

1. Large-area VC vapor chamber

   The VC cooling plate quickly spreads heat away from the processor area.
   

2. High-conductivity graphite layer

   The graphite material helps transfer heat more efficiently throughout the body.

3. Built-in micro cooling fan

   The active fan pulls hot air away through the exhaust outlet, actively accelerating heat dissipation.

The key difference is that this is active cooling, not traditional passive cooling.

The fan is physically running, and heat is actively being removed.

Temperature Reduction Test

First, we used the AnTuTu stress test to push the OPPO K15 into a high-load state.

After continuous full-load operation:

• Front temperature reached: 45.5°C
• Rear temperature reached: 46.5°C

At this point, the phone felt noticeably hot in the hand.

Then we activated the cooling fan.

After 7 minutes:

• Front temperature dropped to 40.9°C
• Rear temperature dropped to 40.2°C

The phone changed from hot to only slightly warm.

After waiting 12 minutes:

• Front temperature: 38.8°C
• Rear temperature: 36.5°C

Compared with the peak temperature of 46.5°C, the rear temperature dropped by approximately 10°C.

The thermal imaging results clearly showed that heat was being transferred away through the fan system.

The temperature around the cooling fan area was noticeably lower than other parts of the phone, proving that the fan was actively removing heat.

High-Energy Outdoor Mode

The OPPO K15 also includes a High-Energy Outdoor Mode, which can be enabled through the accessibility settings.

Once activated, the system automatically:

• Starts the cooling fan
• Optimizes temperature control
• Keeps the phone operating within a stable performance range

This mode also includes several practical outdoor improvements:

Enhanced Screen Brightness

The display automatically increases brightness, making it easier to see under direct sunlight.

Improved Voice Volume

When Bluetooth devices are disconnected, the phone automatically switches to the speaker and increases volume.

Extended Screen Timeout

The display stays active longer, preventing interruptions during:

• Navigation
• Outdoor work
• Long-term map usage

Quick Access Optimization

Frequently used applications can be pinned to a shortcut bar for faster switching.

There are also desktop shortcut cards that allow one-tap access to important functions.

The combination of cooling assistance and outdoor optimization makes the OPPO K15 more convenient for real-world use.

The purpose of active cooling in a 2K smartphone is not chasing the highest benchmark score.

It is about maintaining stable performance during long gaming sessions, navigation, and video recording.

Other phones compete for peak performance.

The OPPO K15 focuses on staying stable for longer.

4. Performance Test: Dimensity 7360 SUPER + Tidal Engine Focus on Stability

The OPPO K15 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor.

Although positioned as a mid-range chipset, OPPO has added its own Tidal Engine optimization system to improve long-term performance.

The phone also features:

• 4950mm² VC vapor chamber
• High-conductivity graphite cooling layer
• Built-in active cooling fan

This combination provides a strong thermal foundation for a phone in this price category.

To evaluate real-world performance, we tested two popular mobile games.

Gaming Test 1: Honor of Kings

For Honor of Kings, we set:

• Frame rate: Ultra-high
• Graphics quality: HD
• Performance mode: Enabled

During a full 5v5 match:

Results:

• Average frame rate: 90.72 FPS
• Frame fluctuation index: 0.22

The phone maintained smooth performance throughout the match.

Whether during:

• Large team fights
• High-density skill effects
• Tower battles

there were no obvious frame drops or visible lag.

Average power consumption:

• 3.34W

Energy consumption per frame:

• 36.8mW

After enabling the cooling fan in smart variable-speed mode, temperatures remained well controlled.

Gaming Test 2: PUBG Mobile

For PUBG Mobile, settings were:

• Graphics: Smooth
• Frame rate: Extreme (60 FPS)
• Mode: Classic Squad Battle
  

During the entire match:

• Landing
• Rotating zones
• Fighting enemies
• Final circle battles

the frame rate remained around 60 FPS.

There were no common mid-range phone issues such as:

• Sudden frame drops when entering the zone
• Delayed aiming response
• Stuttering during combat
  

Average power consumption:

• 2.84W

Energy consumption per frame:

• 47.5mW
  

  

The cooling fan helped maintain stable temperature during the gaming session.

5. Camera Review: Three 50MP Cameras Deliver Strong Image Quality

The OPPO K15 represents a major improvement in imaging for the K series.

It features three 50MP cameras:

• Main camera
• Ultra-wide camera
• Front camera
  

The main camera includes:

• 1/2-inch large sensor
• f/1.88 aperture
• OIS optical stabilization

The ultra-wide camera provides:

• 143.3° ultra-wide field of view

Unlike many mid-range phones where secondary cameras are mainly for marketing, the OPPO K15 gives more attention to practical photography.

Main Camera Experience

The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight scenes.

Strengths include:

• Good detail retention
• Natural colors
• Strong dynamic range
• Stable handheld shooting thanks to OIS

Photos maintain good clarity even when zooming into details.

The large sensor also helps improve:

• Low-light performance
• Background separation
• Night photography quality

Ultra-Wide Camera Experience

The 143.3° ultra-wide camera is useful for:

• Architecture photography
• Landscape shots
• Group photos
• Travel scenes

The wider perspective allows users to capture more content in a single frame.

Night Photography

The main camera’s large sensor and optical stabilization help improve nighttime shooting.

Night photos show:

• Better light control
• Reduced motion blur
• Improved shadow details

For a mid-range smartphone, the camera performance is above average.

6. Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Easily Lasts a Full Day, 80W Flash Charging Keeps You Going

Battery life is one of the strongest selling points of the OPPO K15.

The phone comes with an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, which is significantly larger than the batteries commonly found in mainstream smartphones.

For users who rely heavily on their phones every day, such as:

• Outdoor workers
• Travelers
• Navigation users
• Mobile gamers
• Video streamers

the large battery capacity provides a clear advantage.

Battery Life Test

To evaluate real-world endurance, we used the Battery Dog testing tool developed by Kuai Technology.

The test simulated typical daily usage scenarios, including:

• CPU high-load operation
• Multi-thread processing
• AI recognition
• Image browsing
• Video playback
• Web browsing

Testing conditions:

• Screen brightness: 50%
• Auto brightness: Disabled
• Volume: 30%

The results showed:

The OPPO K15 lasted:

14 hours and 33 minutes from 100% battery down to 20%.

Based on this result, the theoretical full battery endurance is approximately:

18 hours of continuous usage.

This result matches the expectations of an 8000mAh battery and demonstrates the phone’s excellent endurance.

For normal users, the OPPO K15 can easily handle:

• A full day of heavy usage
• Long outdoor navigation
• Extended gaming sessions
• Continuous video playback

without worrying about battery anxiety.

80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging Experience

The OPPO K15 supports:

• 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
• UFCS universal fast charging
• PPS fast charging protocol

We tested charging with the included 80W charger.

Starting from:

1% battery

Charging results:

Although the phone uses a large 8000mAh battery, it can still reach a full charge within around 80 minutes.

This provides a good balance between battery capacity and charging speed.

Bypass Charging: Better for Long Gaming Sessions

The OPPO K15 supports bypass charging, which is especially useful for gamers.

When enabled:

• Power goes directly to the motherboard
• Battery charging is reduced
• Heat generation is lowered
• Battery aging is minimized

This means users can keep playing games while connected to power without constantly stressing the battery.

For people who often:

• Play games while charging
• Watch videos for long periods
• Use the phone as a stationary entertainment device

this feature is very practical.

Wired Reverse Charging

The OPPO K15 also supports wired reverse charging.

The phone can temporarily act as a power bank for devices such as:

• Wireless earbuds
• Smartwatches
• Other smartphones

When traveling, this feature provides an emergency power solution without carrying an additional charger.

7. Special Features: IP69 Protection, Breathing Light, NFC and Infrared

Beyond cooling, performance, and battery life, the OPPO K15 also includes many practical features that improve everyday experience.

IP69 Protection: Designed for Tough Environments

The OPPO K15 supports:

• IP69 waterproof protection
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• IP66 protection

It also passed eight military-standard durability tests covering:

• High temperature
• Low temperature
• Rain exposure
• Dust environments
• Drop resistance

This makes the phone suitable for more demanding environments.

Water Resistance Test

During testing, we played Douyin videos on the OPPO K15 while placing it under running water.

The results:

• Video playback continued normally
• Touch controls remained responsive
• Wet fingers could still operate the screen

The phone remained fully functional after exposure to water.

While IP69 protection does not mean users should intentionally abuse their devices, it provides additional confidence for:

• Outdoor workers
• Travelers
• Users in rainy environments

Mist Shadow Breathing Light: Adding Gaming Atmosphere

The rear panel includes OPPO’s Mist Shadow Breathing Light system.

Users can customize:

• Full lighting area
• Strip lighting
• Fan lighting

Lighting effects include:

• Flowing effects
• Breathing effects
• Always-on mode
• Flashing effects

The fan lighting also supports:

• Breathing mode
• Constant lighting
• Flashing mode

Multiple colors are available.

At night, the lighting can synchronize with music, creating a gaming-style atmosphere.

Unlike inexpensive RGB lighting effects, the implementation feels more refined.

Users can also configure:

• Activation time
• Lighting behavior
• Automatic disabling when the phone is in a pocket

Mountain-Sea Communication Technology: Better Signal in Weak Areas

The OPPO K15 includes OPPO’s self-developed Mountain-Sea Communication Technology.

The system uses:

• 360° surround antenna design
• Multi-source signal optimization algorithms

It is designed to improve connectivity in difficult environments such as:

• Underground parking areas
• Elevators
• Buildings with weak signals

During testing in an underground parking area:

Network results:

• Ping latency: 37ms
• Download speed: 8.37Mbps
• Upload speed: 16.12Mbps

The phone maintained stable connectivity without obvious disconnections.

Dual-Frequency GPS: Faster and More Accurate Positioning

The OPPO K15 is equipped with:

• Dual-frequency GPS
• Flagship-level sensors
• Multi-source positioning algorithms

During navigation testing with Amap:

• Location locking was fast
• Navigation started quickly
• Position accuracy remained stable

The real-time navigation interface showed:

• 26 BeiDou satellites assisting positioning

Even in complex environments such as:

• Urban streets
• Tunnels
• Underground parking areas

the positioning performance remained reliable.

8. Final Verdict: A Smartphone That Solves Real Problems

At the beginning of this review, the question was:

Is the cooling fan on a 2K-range smartphone just a gimmick, or does it really work?

After testing, the answer is clear:

It works.

During the AnTuTu stress test:

• Rear temperature reached 46.5°C
• After activating the fan for 12 minutes, it dropped to 36.5°C

A temperature reduction of around 10°C was confirmed through thermal imaging.

The active cooling fan is the feature that truly separates the OPPO K15 from other phones in the same price range.

Many smartphones offer:

• Large batteries
• Water resistance
• Fast charging

But fewer combine these features with an integrated cooling fan.

OPPO K15 Key Strengths

The phone delivers:

8000mAh large battery
Active cooling fan
IP69/IP68/IP66 protection
Stable gaming performance
80W fast charging
Three 50MP cameras
120Hz 1.5K display
Dual-frequency GPS
Strong signal performance

Who Should Buy the OPPO K15?

The OPPO K15 is especially suitable for users who care about:

• Long battery life
• Stable performance
• Outdoor usage
• Gaming without overheating
• Durability
• Practical everyday features

However, users who want:

• Maximum gaming frame rates
• Flagship-level processor performance

may prefer higher-end gaming smartphones.

The Dimensity 7360 SUPER is not designed to chase extreme benchmark records. Instead, it focuses on delivering stable performance over long periods.

Final Conclusion

Many smartphones in the 2K price range compete by making their specification sheets look impressive.

OPPO K15 takes a different approach.

Instead of only chasing higher numbers, it focuses on solving real user problems:

• A phone that does not become uncomfortable when hot
• A battery that lasts all day
• A device that remains reliable outdoors
• A smartphone that can handle daily challenges

The built-in cooling fan is like adding a turbocharger to an economy car—not for racing, but to prevent losing power when climbing a hill.

After testing, the OPPO K15 proves that it can:

• Stay cool under pressure
• Maintain stable performance
• Last through demanding usage
• Survive tougher environments

For users looking for a practical, durable, and reliable smartphone in the 2K price segment, the OPPO K15 is one of the most complete choices available.

OPPO K15: A truly practical smartphone built for real-world use.

The post OPPO K15 Smartphone Review: The Truly Practical Choice in the 2K Price Segment appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

EcoPro said its investments in nickel smelting projects in Indonesia are generating an average operating margin of 20%, as the company expands its presence in the country to strengthen nickel supply security and improve cost competitiveness.

The company said on Aug. 11 that it held an investment seminar on its Indonesian BNSI project on Aug. 10 at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul. More than 100 attendees, including EcoPro executives, independent directors and institutional investors, participated in the event.

Since 2022, EcoPro has invested a total of 500 million dollars in four projects within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP). Through those investments, the company has secured annual rights to procure 29,000 metric tons of nickel.

Chief Executive Officer Song Ho-jun said the first phase of the company's investments has generated an average operating margin of 20%.

"In addition to nickel, we are generating further profits from by-products such as cobalt and chromium," Song said.

Building on the performance of its existing investments, EcoPro will participate as a major shareholder in the BNSI nickel smelter currently under construction in Indonesia's International Green Industrial Park (IGIP). Combining the first and second investment phases, the company expects to secure annual rights to procure a total of 65,000 metric tons of nickel.

The BNSI project is being developed jointly with China's GEM Co., Ltd. and Indonesian nickel mining company PT Vale Indonesia (PTVI). Construction of the smelter began in April last year, with commercial production targeted for the second quarter of next year.

Song said the company also plans to leverage the hydrometallurgical nickel processing technology and operational expertise gained in Indonesia to expand into the urban mining and battery recycling business, in addition to generating returns from the BNSI investment.

Samsung SDI said on Aug. 11 it will end its battery joint venture with General Motors (GM), bringing to a close the partnership two years after the companies agreed to establish the venture. Following the transaction, the remaining joint ventures between South Korean battery makers and global automakers in the United States will be Ultium Cells, operated by LG Energy Solution and GM, and StarPlus Energy, operated by Samsung SDI and Stellantis.

Samsung SDI disclosed in a regulatory filing that it will terminate its joint venture agreement with GM. The company will acquire GM's entire 49.99% stake in Synergy Cells Holdings, converting the venture into a wholly owned subsidiary. The company plans to rename it Samsung SDI Synergy Cells Holdings.

Samsung SDI did not disclose the purchase price for GM's stake.

"Under the agreement between the two companies, it is difficult to disclose specific details," a Samsung SDI official said. "The investment scale and production plans after the transition to a wholly owned operation have not yet been finalized."

As of the filing date, Samsung SDI's cumulative investment in Synergy Cells totaled 275.3 billion won.

Samsung SDI and GM agreed in March 2023 to build a battery manufacturing plant in the United States and signed a definitive agreement to establish the joint venture in August 2024. The companies had planned to invest approximately 3.5 billion dollars to build a battery plant with annual production capacity of 27 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in New Carlisle, Indiana, with mass production originally scheduled to begin in 2027.

The project was delayed as North America's electric vehicle (EV) market expanded more slowly than expected. In particular, after the US government eliminated the federal consumer EV tax credit under Section 30D last September, automakers scaled back EV investment and production plans. GM reduced planned EV output and revised its product strategy to place greater emphasis on hybrid vehicles. Battery manufacturers have also begun redirecting part of their US EV battery production capacity to the energy storage system (ESS) market.

GM and Stellantis are now the only automakers maintaining battery joint ventures with South Korean manufacturers in the United States. Ford Motor dissolved its BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On last year and no longer operates a battery joint venture in the country.

Both GM and Stellantis have also reduced the scope of their battery partnerships with South Korean companies. Last year, GM transferred the Ultium Cells battery plant under construction in Lansing, Michigan, to LG Energy Solution, which acquired the facility and related assets for 3.1354 trillion won and converted it into a wholly owned plant. In February this year, Stellantis ended its joint venture with LG Energy Solution in Canada, NextStar Energy, with LG Energy Solution acquiring Stellantis' 49% stake for 100 dollars.

Samsung SDI plans to operate the Indiana facility independently and use it as a manufacturing base for a range of products, including ESS and EV batteries. The company may prioritize ESS battery production because growing orders in the US market are increasing the need for additional manufacturing capacity.

Samsung SDI is already allocating a larger share of its US production to ESS batteries than to EV batteries. Three of the four production lines at StarPlus Energy Plant 1 have been designated for ESS batteries, and the company is considering adding another ESS production line to meet rising demand.

During its second-quarter earnings conference call on July 30, Samsung SDI said confirmed ESS orders already cover a significant portion of its production capacity through 2029.

"If projects with a high probability of being awarded in the second half are included, demand is expected to exceed production capacity beginning in 2028," the company said.

The termination of the joint venture is expected to have only a limited impact on South Korean battery equipment suppliers. Because construction of the Indiana plant had already been delayed, major production equipment orders had not yet been placed, and equipment manufacturers had not begun manufacturing the relevant systems.

Although Samsung SDI and GM are ending joint operation of the factory, the companies will continue collaborating on battery development. They have signed an agreement to jointly conduct early-stage development of next-generation prismatic batteries for electric vehicles.

LG Chem has been selected as the cathode material supplier for HL-GA Battery Company, the U.S. battery manufacturing joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, according to industry sources. By taking on a key material that accounts for roughly 40% of battery cell cost, LG Chem is expected to accelerate its transition from petrochemicals toward an advanced materials-focused business.

Industry sources said HL-GA selected LG Chem in July as a supplier of cathode materials for electric vehicle batteries. The materials are expected to be used in battery cells destined for 2029-model electric vehicles produced at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia.

Cathode materials are a key battery component that largely determines capacity and performance. LG Chem is expected to supply two nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) cathode products: a high-nickel version and a mid-nickel version. High-nickel cathodes contain more than 80% nickel, while mid-nickel products contain roughly 60% nickel, both of which are among LG Chem's core battery material offerings.

High-nickel cathodes increase energy density by raising nickel content, making them suitable for extending driving range in electric vehicles, particularly in mid-size, large and high-performance models. Mid-nickel products offer improved cost competitiveness by reducing reliance on relatively expensive nickel.

Among the two products, the high-nickel cathode is expected to be adopted first for mass production. Supply volumes have not yet been finalized. Industry sources said orders are likely to be adjusted according to vehicle production plans rather than being fixed through long-term volume commitments.

"Most projects currently under discussion between automakers and suppliers are aimed at vehicles launching in the second half of 2028 or later," an industry source said. "For a 2029-model vehicle, materials suppliers need to be ready for mass production around the summer of 2028, meaning product specifications and supply conditions generally need to be finalized well in advance."

The supplier selection process reportedly included LG Chem, Umicore and Ecopro BM. All participants proposed supply chains that excluded Chinese-sourced materials.

The companies also relied on South Korean precursor suppliers. Precursors are intermediate materials used in cathode production and account for roughly 70% of cathode manufacturing costs.

LG Chem sources precursors from Korea Precursor Company (KPC), a joint venture with Kemco, a subsidiary of Korea Zinc, and from Eco & Dream. Umicore uses precursors supplied by Eco & Dream, while Ecopro BM utilizes materials from Ecopro Materials.

Industry sources said LG Chem's ability to meet performance specifications and pricing requirements, along with its existing relationship with LG Energy Solution, likely contributed to its selection among suppliers offering non-China-compliant supply chains.

Hyundai Motor Group has been increasing its requirements for non-Chinese materials across its battery supply chain. The company is expanding oversight beyond battery components to include raw materials such as nickel and cobalt. The strategy aligns with broader U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese battery materials and components.

The automaker is reportedly requiring non-Chinese battery materials not only for vehicles sold in the United States but also for models supplied to other regions, including Europe. An industry source said Samsung SDI, as well as SK On and LG Energy Solution, are reviewing plans to replace some Chinese-sourced materials with products from South Korean suppliers in response to Hyundai's requirements.

Located in Bryan County, Georgia, HL-GA began construction in 2023. The project faced disruptions in September 2025 when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an operation targeting undocumented workers, resulting in the detention of more than 300 workers at the site. The company is currently conducting pre-production trial operations and line stabilization activities with suppliers.

HL-GA is expected to supply batteries to HMGMA as well as Hyundai Motor's plant in Montgomery, Alabama, and Kia's facility in West Point, Georgia. While SK On currently serves as the sole battery supplier for those plants, LG Energy Solution is expected to join as a second supplier.

Another Hyundai Motor Group battery joint venture in the United States, Hyundai-SK Battery America (HSBMA), is already using non-Chinese materials. Umicore supplies cathode materials produced at its Cheonan facility in South Korea. The venture currently uses high-nickel products and is expected to transition to mid-nickel cathodes for 2028-2029 model-year vehicles.

An LG Chem spokesperson declined to comment on reports regarding its selection as a supplier for HL-GA.

LG Energy Solution has agreed to purchase more than 5 trillion won worth of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials from Chinese battery materials supplier Lopal Tech, deepening cooperation as it ramps up LFP battery production for energy storage systems (ESS).

Lopal Tech disclosed on Aug. 6 that it signed an LFP cathode supply agreement with LG Energy Solution. The contract runs for three years from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028. The annual transaction cap is 9 billion yuan, equivalent to a total of 27 billion yuan, or about 5.7 trillion won, over the contract period.

Neither company disclosed shipment volumes or delivery regions. Given that more than 80% of LG Energy Solution's LFP battery production capacity is concentrated in North America, a substantial portion of the materials is expected to be supplied there.

The two companies are also expanding cooperation in raw materials. LG Energy Solution will supply Lopal Tech with lithium carbonate and other materials required for LFP cathode production. The annual transaction cap is 6 billion yuan, equivalent to 18 billion yuan, or about 3.75 trillion won, over the three-year period.

Cathodes are a key battery material that determines capacity, output and overall performance, accounting for more than half of battery manufacturing costs. South Korean materials suppliers have traditionally focused on nickel-based ternary cathodes, leaving domestic LFP cathode supply capacity relatively limited. China, meanwhile, established large-scale LFP material supply chains after investing heavily in the segment for years. LG Energy Solution, already a large-scale producer of LFP batteries, has increasingly relied on Chinese suppliers to secure materials quickly.

LG Energy Solution has been working with Lopal Tech subsidiary Changzhou Lithium Source since 2024. The company, commonly known as LBM, was included among key partners at LG Energy Solution's 2026 Partners Day event earlier this year.

The two companies signed a long-term agreement in February 2024 covering the supply of 160,000 metric tons of LFP cathode materials through 2028. In December of the same year, they expanded the agreement to 260,000 tons. Industry estimates at the time valued the deal at more than 2 trillion won to 3 trillion won. LG Energy Solution also acquired a 20% stake in LBM's Indonesian subsidiary, PT LBM Indonesia, in February 2025.

LBM's Indonesian facility plans to expand annual LFP cathode production capacity to 240,000 tons. After launching a first-phase plant with annual capacity of 30,000 tons in 2024, the company completed a second-phase facility with 90,000 tons of capacity. Last month, it began construction of a third-phase plant capable of producing 120,000 tons annually with an investment of about 230 billion won.

Business between LG Energy Solution and Lopal Tech has grown rapidly. Lopal Tech's sales to LG Energy Solution increased from 7.7 billion won in 2023 to 300 billion won last year. During the first part of this year alone, sales reached 350 billion won, already exceeding last year's total. Raw materials supplied by LG Energy Solution to Lopal Tech also increased from 37 billion won last year to 137.7 billion won this year.

The expanded agreement appears aimed at supporting growing production of LFP batteries for North American ESS applications. LG Energy Solution has been producing JF2 LFP cells for ESS applications in North America since the second half of last year.

The company currently manufactures ESS batteries at four sites: Holland, Michigan; L-H Battery Company in Ohio; Ultium Cells in Tennessee; and NextStar Energy in Canada. An ESS production line at its Lansing, Michigan facility is also scheduled to begin operations later this year. LG Energy Solution plans to expand global ESS battery production capacity to more than 60 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by the end of this year, with North America accounting for more than 50 GWh.

As of the end of last year, LG Energy Solution had secured approximately 140 GWh of cumulative ESS battery orders worldwide. The company booked 90 GWh of new orders during 2025 and plans to exceed that figure this year. Its ESS customer base includes Tesla, Terra-Gen, Excelsior Energy Capital, EG4 Electronics and Hanwha Qcells.

POSCO Future M has reached an agreement with a South Korean battery manufacturer to supply more than 190,000 metric tons of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials under a long-term contract.

The company said on Aug. 6 that it agreed to supply more than 190,000 tons of LFP cathode materials over a six-year period from 2027 through 2032. The two companies plan to finalize detailed terms and sign a definitive supply agreement during the third quarter.

To support the supply program, POSCO Future M recently converted part of a high-nickel cathode production line at its Pohang plant into an LFP cathode production line. The company is currently conducting customer qualification procedures for prototype products and plans to begin mass-production shipments by the end of this year.

POSCO Future M said it will strengthen price competitiveness by leveraging raw-material advantages within the POSCO Group. The company plans to lower production costs by utilizing iron oxide generated as a byproduct of steelmaking processes and lithium produced from salt lake operations in Argentina.

The company is also in discussions with other battery manufacturers regarding additional LFP cathode material supply agreements. It said production capacity will be expanded in line with future order intake.

EcoPro BM said its sulfide-based solid electrolyte development project for all-solid-state batteries has been selected for South Korea's third-generation "Super Eul" program, a government initiative led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to foster globally competitive materials, components and equipment technologies.

The company said on Aug. 6 that its sulfide-based solid electrolyte project was chosen as a beneficiary of the program. The Super Eul initiative is a research and development (R&D) support scheme designed to cultivate key companies capable of securing world-leading technologies in strategic materials, components and equipment sectors. Selected projects can receive up to 20 billion won in R&D funding over a period of more than seven years.

Sulfide-based solid electrolytes are a key material for all-solid-state batteries. They are considered a promising next-generation battery material due to their high ionic conductivity and strong safety characteristics.

EcoPro BM currently operates a pilot plant with annual production capacity of 40 metric tons of sulfide-based solid electrolytes. The company said it has completed qualification processes with major battery manufacturers and is targeting mass production in 2027. It has finalized the design of its commercial production line and plans to build manufacturing facilities in line with customer demand.

In addition to solid electrolytes, EcoPro BM is also developing cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries. The company aims to strengthen its competitiveness in next-generation battery materials by leveraging its existing expertise in high-nickel cathode technologies.

"Discussions are under way with major customers regarding pilot-scale production, and the earliest timeline for mass production is expected to be 2027," said Gong Bo-hyun, vice president of research and development at EcoPro BM. "We have completed the design of the production line and are prepared to begin construction immediately once customer demand is confirmed."

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Shinheung SEC, a key supplier to Samsung SDI, is increasing production capacity for cylindrical battery components by 20% as demand for battery backup units (BBUs) used in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers drives a shortage of cylindrical batteries.

According to industry sources on Aug. 6, Shinheung SEC is expanding production facilities for cylindrical battery current interrupt devices (CIDs) at its Malaysian plant. Monthly production capacity will increase from 80 million cylindrical-cell components to 100 million units.

Shinheung SEC supplies 80% to 90% of the cap assemblies and core CID components used in Samsung SDI's cylindrical batteries. The company is the exclusive supplier for Samsung SDI's Malaysian cylindrical battery plant.

Batteries are generally categorized into cylindrical, prismatic and pouch formats. Cylindrical batteries consist of electrodes housed within a metal cylinder. The cap assembly serves as the battery's top cover and contains safety components such as the CID, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device that controls overcurrent, and a vent for gas release.

Among these components, the CID is a critical safety device that disconnects electrical current and releases internal gas when battery pressure rises, reducing the risk of explosion.

The expansion is being driven by Samsung SDI's growing cylindrical battery production. Malaysia serves as the company's main production base for cylindrical cells. Since 2022, Samsung SDI has invested approximately 1.7 trillion won to establish production lines for 2170 cylindrical batteries, which measure 21 millimeters in diameter and 70 millimeters in height.

Following the expansion, production and sales at the Malaysian battery plant initially fell short of expectations due to slowing demand in power tools and micromobility applications such as electric bicycles. However, market conditions have changed as demand for AI data center BBUs has surged.

BBUs provide emergency power for server racks in data centers. Because server environments require compact form factors and high instantaneous power output, high-performance cylindrical batteries are commonly used.

"Samsung SDI expanded its Malaysian production capacity first, but when output remained weak in the early stages, there was little need for suppliers to increase component capacity," an industry source said. "Recently, demand from AI data centers has risen sharply, significantly boosting cylindrical battery production, and Shinheung SEC is now accelerating facility expansion to keep pace."

Based on the supply capacity of Shinheung SEC's Malaysian operations, Samsung SDI's Malaysian plant is estimated to have annual cylindrical-cell production capacity exceeding 1.2 billion cells. Using an industry assumption that 100 million cylindrical cells correspond to roughly 2 gigawatt-hours (GWh), annual capacity is estimated at more than 24 GWh.

Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia (SDIEM) reported first-quarter revenue of 311.3 billion won this year, more than doubling from 142.0 billion won a year earlier. Annual revenue reached 1.06 trillion won last year, surpassing the 1 trillion won mark again for the first time since 2023.

Shinheung SEC's Malaysian subsidiary also posted strong growth. First-quarter revenue increased to 11.2 billion won from 2.6 billion won a year earlier. Revenue from its small cylindrical CID business rose from 11.0 billion won, representing 10.6% of total sales, in the first quarter of last year to 25.3 billion won, or 20.5% of total sales, in the first quarter of this year.

The company's earnings are expected to improve further beginning in the fourth quarter. Samsung SDI is scheduled to begin mass production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) in October at StarPlus Energy (SPE), its joint venture with Stellantis in Indiana.

Shinheung SEC will supply prismatic battery cap assemblies for those batteries. Prismatic cap assemblies are the company's core business, generating first-quarter revenue of 88.5 billion won, up about 6% from 83.5 billion won a year earlier.

The Korea IR Council projects that Shinheung SEC's operating profit will increase from 5.9 billion won in 2025 to more than 20 billion won in 2026, driven by expanding prismatic cap assembly shipments to SPE and rising demand for cylindrical battery components used in AI data centers.

Lotte Energy Materials plans to bring its Malaysian battery copper foil manufacturing operations to full production capacity by the end of this year.

The company reported second-quarter revenue of 194.2 billion won and an operating loss of 16.9 billion won on Aug. 6. Revenue increased 21.5% from the previous quarter, driven by higher sales of high-power small batteries, copper foil for North American energy storage systems (ESS), and circuit foil products.

Demand from battery backup units (BBUs) and high-power batteries used in power tools supported performance during the quarter. Sales of copper foil for North American ESS applications and circuit foil used in artificial intelligence (AI) substrates also remained solid.

Lotte Energy Materials plans to expand production capacity at its Malaysian facilities. The company began operations at its fifth Malaysian plant in July and intends to move forward the start-up of its sixth plant from next year to the fourth quarter of this year. It aims to transition its Malaysian operations to a fully operational production and sales system within 2026.

Demand for high-performance circuit foil is also increasing as investment in AI data centers accelerates. The circuit foil market is shifting away from products primarily used in conventional information technology devices toward higher-end offerings, including reverse-treated foil (RTF), high-voltage low-profile (HVLP) foil and ultra-thin copper foil.

The company said demand for non-China products is growing, particularly among customers in North America.

“We will respond to demand from the AI data industry through our portfolio of advanced circuit foil and battery copper foil products,” Chief Executive Officer Kim Yeon-seop said. “We will strengthen our production capabilities and pursue earnings growth.

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GI Tech Chief Executive Officer Lee Sang-kwon has purchased 12,000 shares of the company on the open market.

GI Tech said on Aug. 4 that Lee acquired an additional 6,000 shares on Aug. 3, following a purchase of 6,000 shares in June.

The company said Lee decided to increase his stake after concluding that the recent share price does not fully reflect GI Tech's intrinsic value.

"Through the CEO's share purchase, we will continue to demonstrate responsible management and work toward sustainable growth and enhanced corporate value," a company official said. "Building on the competitiveness of our core business, we plan to maintain earnings growth while pursuing a range of shareholder-friendly initiatives."

GI Tech reported consolidated first-quarter revenue of 10.1 billion won and operating profit of 500 million won. Revenue increased 75.7% from a year earlier, while operating profit returned to positive territory.

The earnings improvement was driven by increased shipments of slot-die equipment for energy storage systems (ESS) used in US battery plants, as well as higher sales of pump systems.

The company plans to strengthen its presence in North America by commencing full-scale operations at its Crown Point, Indiana facility in the second half of this year.

EcoPro BM plans to begin operating a second production line at its Hungary cathode materials plant in September as it seeks to turn its Hungarian subsidiary profitable in the second half of the year.

The company reported consolidated second-quarter revenue of 576.7 billion won and operating profit of 18.0 billion won on July 31. Revenue declined 5% from the previous quarter, while operating profit fell 14%.

Performance was affected by temporary demand disruptions caused by model transitions at European automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and a slowdown in the North American electric vehicle market.

By business segment, revenue from energy storage system (ESS) materials fell 54% from the previous quarter due to stagnant European electric vehicle demand and a shift in North American ESS supply chains. Revenue from electric vehicle cathode materials increased only 1%.

In contrast, revenue from power applications rose 28%, supported by expanding investment in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and growing demand for power tools and electric bicycles.

The company plans to accelerate its European expansion through its Hungary facility. After launching the first production line in June, EcoPro BM will begin operating a second line in September. Production is expected to reach 10,000 metric tons this year and expand to 30,000 tons in 2027.

EcoPro BM said the plant's utilization rate and production yield have already reached target levels. While the subsidiary recorded losses in the first half because of depreciation expenses and labor costs associated with initial mass production, the company aims to achieve quarterly profitability in the second half through higher output, improved operating efficiency and cost reductions.

New European projects have also entered mass production. The company recently began manufacturing products for a newly secured European customer and is preparing several additional projects for volume production. EcoPro BM expects growth to gradually recover as shipments from both existing contracts and new programs increase.

The company is also proceeding with its investment in the BNSI nickel smelter project in Indonesia, which is intended to strengthen raw material cost competitiveness. Trial operations are scheduled to begin later this year, with commercial production targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Once operating at a stable level, the smelter is expected to generate approximately $1.7 billion in annual revenue and achieve a double-digit operating margin, according to the company. Through its 39% stake in BNSI, EcoPro BM expects to secure approximately 36,000 tons of intermediate nickel materials annually.

The company is continuing development of next-generation battery materials. Its sulfide-based solid-state electrolyte has completed customer quality verification and is targeted for mass production in 2027. Lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cathode materials are undergoing customer qualification processes, while sodium-ion cathodes and silicon anodes are also being prepared for commercialization.

EcoPro BM said it remains on track with the 1.2 trillion-won rights offering announced in June. The company plans to determine the preliminary offering price in September, finalize the subscription price in October and list the newly issued shares in November.

Dongwon Systems posted stronger second-quarter earnings, supported by growing exports of high-value-added packaging materials and improved performance at its overseas subsidiaries.

The company disclosed on July 31 that it recorded consolidated revenue of 402.2 billion won and operating profit of 31.4 billion won for the second quarter. Revenue increased 9.8% from a year earlier, while operating profit rose 21.1%.

First-half cumulative revenue reached 740.0 billion won, up 5.2% year over year. Operating profit increased 15.5% to 44.4 billion won. The company said expanded exports of high-value packaging materials and improved profitability at overseas subsidiaries contributed to the earnings growth.

In its materials business, Dongwon Systems expanded exports of its recyclable polyethylene (PE)-based mono-material packaging products to North America, Asia and Africa. Exports of the products increased by about 20% from the same period last year.

Its Vietnamese subsidiary, Tan Tien Packaging (TTP), also posted stronger sales as shipments to North American markets, including the United States and Canada, increased. Revenue at the subsidiary rose by approximately 20% year over year.

A Dongwon Systems representative said the company plans to further expand overseas packaging material sales in the second half while fostering new businesses, including battery materials and advanced films.

POSCO Holdings improved profitability in the second quarter, supported by stronger performance from its lithium and liquefied natural gas (LNG) businesses. The company's battery materials segment also returned to profitability, contributing to overall earnings growth.

The company reported revenue of 19.259 trillion won and operating profit of 819 billion won for the second quarter, according to results released on July 30. Net profit totaled 761 billion won. Major businesses, including steel, battery materials and energy, all improved from the previous quarter.

In the battery materials segment, POSCO Future M benefited from inventory valuation gains on cathode materials and a recovery in anode material sales. The company reported revenue of 679.5 billion won and operating profit of 26.7 billion won on a consolidated basis in the second quarter. Operating profit surged 3,351.2% from a year earlier.

The battery materials business posted revenue of 327.9 billion won and operating profit of 2.5 billion won, returning to profitability from the previous quarter. Improved earnings were driven by inventory valuation gains on cathode materials and increased anode material sales to key customers. The basic materials business recorded revenue of 351.6 billion won and operating profit of 24.2 billion won, with operating profit rising 28.7% from the previous quarter.

The lithium business also continued to improve. POSCO Argentina achieved its first quarterly profit after stabilizing operations and improving facilities at its first lithium brine plant. POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solution also reported stronger profitability, supported by higher sales volumes and rising lithium prices. Battery recycling subsidiary POSCO HY Clean Metal has remained profitable every month since December 2025, driven by high utilization rates.

In the infrastructure segment, POSCO International posted its highest-ever quarterly operating profit, supported by strong performance from gas fields in Myanmar and Australia and its palm oil business in Indonesia. POSCO E&C maintained stable profitability on the back of increased construction orders.