Hyundai primarily uses lithium-ion battery packs (nickel-containing NMC/NCA chemistries) for its electric and hybrid vehicles, with major suppliers including LG Energy Solution and SK On. The automaker is also pursuing solid-state batteries for future models.
Current battery types and suppliers
The following overview explains the kinds of batteries Hyundai uses today, who makes the cells, and how the architecture supports charging.
- Chemistry and format: Hyundai's modern electric and plug-in vehicles rely on lithium-ion battery packs, typically built from nickel-containing cathodes such as NMC or NCA chemistries.
- Major cell suppliers: Cells are supplied mainly by LG Energy Solution and SK On, with Hyundai coordinating its supply through partnerships and regional production efforts to secure capacity.
- Vehicle architectures: Some flagship models (notably Ioniq 5 and EV6) employ an 800-volt architecture to enable ultra-fast charging, while other models may operate on a traditional 400-volt system.
In short, Hyundai’s current lineup uses established lithium-ion chemistries (NMC/NCA) with a diversified supplier base and high-voltage platforms on key new models to support rapid charging.
Solid-state ambitions and future upgrades
Hyundai is actively pursuing next-generation battery technology, including solid-state cells, as part of its long-term strategy to improve energy density, charging speed, and safety.
- Development timeline: Hyundai indicates it plans to pilot solid-state cells and related manufacturing processes in the mid-to-late 2020s, with broader deployment to follow.
- Material and safety advances: The company aims to reduce cobalt usage and improve safety characteristics and charging efficiency through new chemistries and cell designs.
- Partnerships and scaling: The solid-state program involves collaboration with suppliers and technology partners to accelerate commercialization and local production.
These efforts reflect Hyundai’s intent to transition some of its future models to newer battery technologies as they become commercially viable.
What this means for drivers
For consumers, Hyundai’s current offerings deliver reliable lithium-ion battery performance with strong charging capability, especially in 800-volt models that support faster charging. The ongoing shift toward solid-state technology could yield higher energy density and quicker charging in future generations, though such batteries are not yet in mainstream production.
Summary
Hyundai currently uses lithium-ion battery packs with NMC/NCA chemistries, sourced from major suppliers like LG Energy Solution and SK On. Flagship models such as Ioniq 5 and EV6 feature an 800-volt architecture to enable rapid charging. The company is also pursuing solid-state batteries to boost energy density and charging speed in future vehicles, with pilot programs expected in the coming years. As always, battery technology and supplier arrangements continue to evolve with new model introductions and strategic partnerships.