Has LG Energy Started Mass Production of Batteries at Its US Plant?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- LGES has initiated mass production of LFP batteries in the U.S.
- The batteries are designed for energy storage systems (ESS).
- Major partnerships have been established with U.S. energy firms.
- LGES is the first global manufacturer to produce LFP batteries for ESS in the U.S.
- Legal victories in Germany bolster LGES's position in the market.
Seoul, June 1 (NationPress) LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES), the premier battery manufacturer from South Korea, announced on Sunday the initiation of mass production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries designed for energy storage systems (ESS) at its facility located in the United States.
The pouch-type LFP batteries, utilizing advanced long cell technology, are being produced at LGES’s Michigan plant, as reported by the Korean news agency, Yonhap.
According to LGES representatives, "We are currently negotiating with various clients in North America regarding the supply of our ESS batteries," emphasizing that agreements with significant U.S. energy companies, including Terra-Gen and Delta Electronics, have already been secured.
As demand for ESS in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and renewable energy sources rises, LGES aims to respond quickly.
Notably, LGES stands out as the only major global battery producer to have commenced mass production of LFP batteries specifically for ESS within the U.S.
In a related development, LG Energy Solution has successfully pursued legal action against China’s Sunwoda Group in Germany concerning the violation of two patents associated with battery separator technology, as confirmed by LGES’s legal representative in Germany.
The Munich District Court granted injunction requests filed by the Hungary-based patent management firm Tulip Innovation Kft., prohibiting Sunwoda Group affiliates from marketing lithium-ion batteries in Germany, according to a press release from Tulip.
The affected entities include Sunwoda Electronic, Sunwoda Mobility Energy Technology, and their German branches, Sunwoda Europe and Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Germany.
"These seem to be the first injunctions in Germany linked to car batteries. There will be no 'free riding' for battery manufacturers on the technologies pioneered by innovation leaders like LGES and Panasonic Energy," the release stated.
The court also instructed Sunwoda's affiliates to retrieve and eliminate any remaining infringing batteries in their possession and to compensate Tulip for damages while providing comprehensive accounting records to aid in damage evaluation.
Although Sunwoda Group is anticipated to contest the rulings, Tulip expressed confidence that the verdict will be upheld on appeal.
The patents in question pertain to battery separators, which are vital for ensuring the safety and efficiency of electric vehicle batteries.