SK On signs five-year graphene additive supply contract with Hansolchemical
SK On signed a five-year, $180 million supply contract with Hansolchemical for 4,500 tonnes per annum of graphene additive for NCM811 cathodes, with shipments starting Q1 2027. The deal signals growing industrial-scale demand for graphene as a functional cathode additive in EV batteries, and will require Hansolchemical to expand its Gumi facility beyond its current 1,200 tonne per annum capacity.
SK On has entered into a five-year agreement with Hansolchemical, a Korean specialty chemicals producer, for the supply of graphene additives. These additives will be used in the cathode formulation of SK On's next-generation electric vehicle (EV) battery cells. The contract is valued at approximately 180 million USD and includes the delivery of 4,500 tonnes annually, starting in the first quarter of 2027. To meet this demand, Hansolchemical plans to expand its Gumi facility from its current capacity of 1,200 tonnes per annum.
The graphene additive, produced through a proprietary thermal exfoliation process, is intended to enhance the high-rate charge performance and thermal stability of NCM811 cathodes. Initial shipments will be directed to SK On's plant in Hungary, which supplies battery cells to major automotive manufacturers Volkswagen and Ford. Park Min-jae, Vice President of SK On, stated that this agreement ensures a stable graphene supply chain as the company pursues its 2030 capacity expansion goals.
Kim Young-ho, CEO of Hansolchemical, announced that the company will recruit 80 additional R&D and process engineers to support the facility's expansion and meet the contract's demands.
Source: original article