EcoPro BM and Samsung SDI Target Solid-State Batteries by 2027

EcoPro BM and Samsung SDI Collaborate on All-Solid-State Battery Materials

South Korea's EcoPro BM has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Samsung SDI to collaborate on developing materials for all-solid-state batteries. The companies are targeting the commercialization of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries in 2027. Their joint research and development program will cover the complete process, from initial development and quality evaluation to establishing a mass-production system. The collaboration will also extend beyond cathode materials to encompass other essential battery components, including electrolytes for cathodes and separators. The agreement establishes a broader framework for the companies to coordinate materials development and production-related activities in support of their shared commercialization target.

Joint Research Covers Materials Development and Production

The collaboration assigns complementary responsibilities to the two companies. Samsung SDI will advance its technologies for developing and mass-producing all-solid-state battery cells, while EcoPro BM will focus on developing key materials required for these batteries. Their joint research and development activities will encompass initial material development, quality evaluation, and the establishment of a mass-production system. By extending the scope of cooperation beyond cathode materials to include electrolytes for cathodes and separators, the companies intend to address multiple material requirements within the same development program. This coordinated approach links materials development with cell technology and manufacturing preparation, with commercialization of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries targeted for 2027.

EcoPro BM's Sulfide Solid-Electrolyte Capabilities

EcoPro BM has secured proprietary process technology for sulfide-based solid electrolytes and operates a pilot plant with an annual production capacity of 40 metric tons. These existing capabilities provide relevant technical and pilot-scale production experience for its role in the collaboration. The company will develop key materials for all-solid-state batteries, while Samsung SDI advances battery-cell development and mass-production technologies. The disclosed pilot-plant capacity describes EcoPro BM's annual solid-electrolyte production capability; it should not be interpreted as the production capacity of finished batteries or as confirmation of commercial-scale output. The companies' broader development program will connect material preparation and quality evaluation with efforts to establish a mass-production system for their targeted battery commercialization.

Collaboration Scope and Development Responsibilities

The agreement combines materials expertise, battery-cell technology, and production-system development in a coordinated research program. The following table summarizes the responsibilities and capabilities specified in the announcement, without treating the commercialization target as an achieved result.

Key Details of the EcoPro BM–Samsung SDI Agreement

Development Priorities Before Commercialization

The companies' stated work program spans several stages that connect material development with manufacturing preparation. Initial development and quality evaluation will form part of the joint research effort, alongside work to establish a mass-production system. Samsung SDI's focus on battery-cell technologies and mass production complements EcoPro BM's responsibility for key materials and its existing sulfide-based solid-electrolyte process technology. The expanded scope also brings additional material categories, including separators and electrolytes for cathodes, into the collaboration. The announcement does not disclose specific performance targets, investment amounts, planned factory locations, production volumes for finished batteries, or a detailed commercialization schedule. Those details therefore remain unconfirmed, while 2027 is the stated commercialization target for the sulfide-based all-solid-state battery program.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The collaboration strengthens the technical connection between battery-material development and cell-manufacturing preparation in South Korea's all-solid-state battery sector. By combining EcoPro BM's sulfide solid-electrolyte process capabilities with Samsung SDI's battery-cell and mass-production technology development, the companies are coordinating work across multiple parts of the battery supply chain. The inclusion of additional materials broadens the scope beyond cathodes and makes material quality evaluation and production-system readiness important parts of the program. For automotive manufacturers and battery-industry suppliers, progress toward the 2027 commercialization target will be relevant to assessing the technology's potential industrial availability. However, commercialization remains a goal rather than a confirmed outcome, and the announcement does not establish final production volumes, customer commitments, or commercial launch dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are EcoPro BM and Samsung SDI developing together?
EcoPro BM and Samsung SDI are collaborating on materials for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, with commercialization targeted for 2027. Their memorandum of understanding covers joint research and development from initial material development and quality evaluation through the establishment of a mass-production system. The collaboration extends beyond cathode materials to include electrolytes for cathodes and separators. Samsung SDI will focus on battery-cell development and mass-production technologies, while EcoPro BM will develop key battery materials. The agreement defines a joint development effort, not confirmation that commercial production has already begun.

When do the companies plan to commercialize their all-solid-state batteries?
The companies are targeting commercialization of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries in 2027, according to the announcement describing their memorandum of understanding. Reaching that target involves joint research and development covering initial development, quality evaluation, and establishment of a mass-production system. Samsung SDI will advance battery-cell development and manufacturing technologies, while EcoPro BM will work on key materials. The announcement does not provide a detailed launch schedule, confirmed production volumes, or evidence that commercialization has already been achieved. Therefore, 2027 should be understood as the stated target rather than a guaranteed commercial launch date.

What role will EcoPro BM play in the collaboration?
EcoPro BM will develop key materials for the all-solid-state batteries and contribute its existing capabilities in sulfide-based solid-electrolyte processing. The company has secured proprietary process technology for sulfide-based solid electrolytes and operates a pilot plant with annual production capacity of 40 metric tons. Its responsibilities in the joint program include materials development as the companies work through the broader development and quality-evaluation process. The announcement also identifies electrolytes for cathodes and separators as additional areas of collaboration beyond cathode materials. It does not specify the future commercial production capacity of EcoPro BM's materials.

What is Samsung SDI responsible for under the agreement?
Samsung SDI will advance the development and mass-production technologies for all-solid-state battery cells as part of the collaboration with EcoPro BM. Its responsibilities complement EcoPro BM's work on key battery materials, linking material development with cell technology and manufacturing preparation. The companies intend to conduct joint research across initial development, quality evaluation, and establishment of a mass-production system. The agreement also expands collaboration to materials beyond cathodes, including electrolytes for cathodes and separators. The announcement does not disclose specific cell performance figures, planned manufacturing volumes, or a confirmed commercial production start date.

What is the significance of EcoPro BM's 40-metric-ton pilot plant?
EcoPro BM's pilot plant has an annual production capacity of 40 metric tons for solid electrolytes, supporting the company's existing capabilities in sulfide-based solid-electrolyte processing. The company has also secured proprietary process technology for these materials, which are relevant to its role in the all-solid-state battery collaboration. This capacity figure describes the pilot plant's stated annual output capability, not the production capacity of finished battery cells or complete battery packs. The announcement does not confirm whether the plant will supply all materials required for the planned commercialization or specify the scale of future commercial production.