at the north american international auto show in detroit, michigan, south korean battery-maker samsung sdi announced a next-generation, high-energy density battery cell for electric vehicles that would enable cars to travel 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) and that can fast-charge as much as 80 percent of its battery capacity in as little as 20 minutes.

samsung sdi announced an ev battery that enables cars to travel 600 km. (samsung sdi)

this would put samsung sdi ahead of previous industry standard tesla, the model sp100d can travel 337 miles on one charge and the 120kw supercharger can load 130 miles in 20 minutes.

according to a press release from samsung sdi, “mass production of this product is slated for 2021.”

samsung sdi also revealed its integrated battery module that doubles the cell capacity of an ev battery from 12 to 24 and its charge from 2-3 kwh to 6-8 kwh. there was also a line of low voltage systems that could produce higher fuel efficiency.

while this was all exciting news, an article from greentechmedia.com cautioned against getting too worked up about the announcement. the article noted that samsung sdi announced a 600km battery at last year’s show as well and that originally production was to have begun in 2020, so it has been pushed back a full year.

in addition, there is some concern over the claim for more than 300 miles of charge in such a short time. the article explained, “assuming these batteries make it out into the world in five years, there will need to be serious progress in charging-station technology and deployment to take advantage of them.” the current standard of 150 kw charging stations can provide 200 miles of range in fewer than 30 minutes.

the article added, “this news, then, won't singlehandedly change samsung's position on the ev battery supplier leaderboard. panasonic has the lead, bolstered by the partnership with tesla, and lg chem follows, with support from more traditional carmakers like general motors, renault sa and daimler ag.”