Environment

SK On and Sakuu will jointly develop 3D-printed EV batteries

SK On and Sakuu will jointly develop 3D-printed EV batteries

Global EV battery maker SK On now has a joint development agreement with Sakuu, the “world’s first manufacturing platform for printing battery electrodes.”

Sakuu 3D prints fully functional batteries in custom shapes and sizes with patterned openings for thermal management in a fully dry process that doesn’t use solvents. The San Jose-based company says its Kavian 3D printing platform (pictured) can cut the cost of battery production nearly in half. It asserts that the batteries will last longer and be easier to recycle than current lithium-ion batteries.

SK On, the world’s fifth-largest battery maker, is among the first to partner with Sakuu in developing the Kavian platform. SK On currently operates two EV battery plants in Commerce, Georgia. It’s further expanding its presence in the US Southeast by constructing additional EV battery plants through joint ventures with Ford and Hyundai.

SK On is rapidly ramping up battery production plans in the US – earlier this week, the South Korea-headquartered battery maker had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ExxonMobil for a multiyear offtake agreement of up to 100,000 metric tons of Arkansas lithium.

Some exciting developments in battery manufacturing could come from this partnership – it’s one to watch. 

Read more: EV battery maker SK On to buy 100k metric tons of Arkansas lithium from ExxonMobil


If you’re an electric vehicle owner, charge up your car at home with rooftop solar panels. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing on solar, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.