SK Nexilis, a subsidiary of SKC, has announced an exclusive deal with Varta, a leading battery manufacturer in Germany, to supply copper foil for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The agreement solidifies SK Nexilis’ position as a key supplier of copper foil, a crucial material used in the production of EV batteries. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Copper foil plays a vital role in the manufacturing of anodes, which are integral components of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. Acting as the negative pole, copper foil allows lithium ions to flow from the positive pole as the battery generates electricity. It takes approximately 35 to 40 kilograms (77 to 88 pounds) of copper foil to produce a single EV battery.
SK Nexilis has positioned itself as a prominent player in the copper foil market. The company, known for its technological prowess, boasts the capability to produce the thinnest copper foil in the world, which is about one-thirtieth the thickness of a human hair. Additionally, it has achieved impressive dimensions, with widths of 1.4 meters (4.5 feet) and lengths of up to 77 kilometers (48 miles).
With a current annual capacity of approximately 52,000 tons, SK Nexilis is the largest producer of copper foil globally, according to SNE Research. The company has ambitious plans to further expand its production capacity to 250,000 tons by 2025. Among SK Nexilis’ major customers are prominent battery manufacturers such as LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On, Panasonic, and CATL.
This recent partnership with Varta marks another significant milestone for SK Nexilis. The company had previously sealed a 1.4 trillion-won ($1.1 billion) supply deal with Northvolt in February, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the copper foil market.
As the demand for EVs continues to rise, so does the need for essential battery components like copper foil. SK Nexilis’ strategic collaborations with renowned battery manufacturers position the company to capitalize on this growing market. With its cutting-edge technology and ambitious production expansion plans, SK Nexilis is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the global EV industry.
SK Nexilis’ exclusive deal with Varta demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing high-quality copper foil that enables the production of efficient and reliable EV batteries. By securing partnerships with key industry players, SK Nexilis solidifies its standing as a vital contributor to the advancement of sustainable transportation.
