Ford EV Battery Partner SK On Opens Solid State Pilot Plant

Solid state batteries have long been viewed as the breakthrough technology EVs need to reach the proverbial next level, given the fact that they’re very energy dense and compact in terms of packaging. That’s precisely why Ford has been happy to invest in such technology, doling out money to third-party companies like Solid Power, as well as its long-time partner SK On. We’re getting closer to seeing solid-state batteries become viable for automotive use as a result, and now, SK On has officially opened a plant dedicated specifically to that type of unit.

The new SK On solid-state pilot battery plant is now open in South Korea, a key step in the company’s plan to bring those next-generation batteries to market by 2029. It’s the culmination of combined research between that company and Solid Power over the past year or so, and at first, will be used as a pilot plant where prototype batteries will be built, assessed, and validated for quality and performance before full-scale production begins. SK On said its pilot plant will be primarily used to develop sulfide-based ASSBs, while some lines will be dedicated to lithium-metal batteries.

“This pilot plant will serve as a cornerstone for SK to leap forward as a strong and resilient company in addressing any changes in business environment,” said SK On CEO & President Seok-hee Lee. “We aim to remain at the forefront of commercializing all-solid-state batteries to accelerate electrification.” The company initially aims to commercialize ASSBs with an energy density of 800Wh/L, with a long-term goal of reaching 1,000Wh/L.

While Ford is heavily vested in solid-state batteries and views them as the future for EVs, in general, the automaker is also keeping an open mind in regard to battery chemistries. “Yeah, we’re always thinking about the next chemistry. I mean, I’ve been in this space for – since we started this journey for the last four years and we’ve already gone from a high nickel-based chemistry to a mid-nickel-based chemistry to an LFP chemistry to now we have LMR which is a manganese rich chemistry,” Ford Vice President Lisa Drake said at the recent 2025 Jefferies Industrials Conference.