Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-09-11
Panasonic Energy has initiated sample shipments of its all-solid-state batteries for industrial applications, marking a critical step toward commercialization. Simultaneously, LG Energy Solution reported significant stability improvements in Lithium-Manganese-Rich (LMR) batteries through a collaboration with Seoul National University. These developments occur alongside continued global scrutiny of ProLogium’s recent mass-production launch and rising investor interest in Korean battery supply chains.
Superconductors, Solid-State Batteries and New Materials — 2026-09-11
Top developments
Panasonic Energy begins sample shipments of heat-resistant solid-state cells
Panasonic Energy, a subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings, has started shipping samples of its all-solid-state batteries designed for industrial machinery. The cells are rated for high-temperature resistance up to 150 degrees Celsius, targeting sectors where conventional lithium-ion batteries face thermal limitations. This move signals that Japanese manufacturers are moving beyond EV-centric prototypes to niche industrial applications while competing with global mass-production efforts.
LG Energy Solution achieves 92.2% retention in LMR battery cycles
LG Energy Solution announced a breakthrough in Lithium-Manganese-Rich (LMR) battery technology in collaboration with Seoul National University. The new cathode material achieved 92.2% energy retention after 883 cycles in a 40 Ah cell format, addressing the primary stability challenge of LMR chemistry. This development is crucial for reducing reliance on cobalt and nickel while maintaining competitive energy density for electric vehicles.
Korean battery stocks rally on solid-state and LFP outlooks
South Korean battery sector stocks experienced significant volatility this week, with solid-state and secondary battery related shares seeing mixed but generally upward trends. On September 9, Lotte Energy Materials rose over 13% and SK Innovation gained nearly 10%, driven by renewed investor confidence in next-generation battery commercialization timelines. Analysts from Daol Investment & Securities noted that potential US restrictions on CATL’s technology usage could benefit domestic players like LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI, particularly in the LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) value chain.
Local view
In South Korea, media outlets are closely tracking the strategic investments of local materials companies into solid-state components. Newstomato reports that EcoPro is accelerating the development of sulfide-based electrolytes, a key material for all-solid-state batteries, aiming to secure a dominant position in the high-lifespan, high-density market required by both EVs and emerging robotics industries. Additionally, The GURU highlights that LG Energy Solution’s CTO team is actively engaging with Stanford University experts to accelerate the commercialization of solid-state technology, signaling a shift toward international academic partnerships to solve fundamental engineering hurdles.
Context & numbers
- LMR Stability Metric: The newly reported LMR cell achieved 92.2% energy retention after 883 cycles, a key benchmark for viability in automotive applications where long-term durability is critical.
- Solid-State Temperature Rating: Panasonic’s new industrial samples withstand temperatures up to 150°C, significantly higher than standard consumer-grade lithium-ion cells.
- Market Movement: On September 9, major Korean battery stocks saw double-digit gains, with Lotte Energy Materials rising 13% and SK Innovation rising 9%, reflecting heightened market sensitivity to solid-state progress news.
On the radar
- ProLogium Production Ramp: Global attention remains fixed on ProLogium’s mass production of 381 Wh/kg solid-state cells in Taiwan. While production has begun, industry observers are watching for yield rates and actual deployment timelines in Mercedes-Benz and other partner vehicles.
- Samsung SDI R&D Spend: Samsung SDI has increased its R&D spending by 22% in the first half of 2026, maintaining the highest investment intensity among the top three Korean battery makers. This aggressive spending is likely focused on closing the gap in solid-state and sodium-ion technologies.
- Sodium-Ion Commercialization: With automakers like GM and BYD pushing sodium-ion for grid storage and affordable EVs, watch for announcements regarding pilot line expansions from companies like CATL and Farasis Energy in Q4 2026.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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