South Korean automakers Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have agreed to step up their collaboration with local battery manufacturers LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI Company and SK On Company, to develop new safety standards for electric vehicles (EVs).

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) hosted an event at its Namyang research and development (R&D) center in Hwaseong, near Seoul, for the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand its cooperation with the battery manufacturers. The companies also unveiled the results of their collaboration on EV battery safety, which began in August 2024 following a series of major EV battery fires in the country.

The companies have agreed to continue their collaboration to establish new safety benchmarks for the industry, by carrying out further joint development of new safety technologies and sharing patent rights. They have identified five priority areas to focus on, including safety-related patents, digital battery passports, design quality, manufacturing quality, and firefighting technology.

HMG’s head of R&D, Yang Hee-won, told reporters: "This collaboration was possible thanks to the determination of our leadership, the dedication of our researchers and support from government ministries. We will continue to work closely with battery makers to deliver safer and more reliable EVs."

LG Energy Solution's CEO, Kim Dong-myung, added: "With the government and industry working as one team, LG Energy Solution will keep pushing to secure Korea's future competitiveness."