LG Energy Solution is aiming to commercialize what’s been described as a game-changing battery-making technology by 2028, opening a path for the Korean cell manufacturer to become more competitive with Chinese rivals.

Companies from Tesla to Samsung SDI are working on dry-coating technology, a process that aims to replace the energy-intensive wet process for making cathode and anode electrodes — a key component of electric car batteries. The search for cheaper and more environmentally friendly ways to produce batteries is becoming increasingly urgent as electric vehicle demand cools.

"Among battery competitors, LG is the top” in terms of dry-coating technology, Kim Je-young, who became LG Energy Solution’s chief technology officer in December, said in an exclusive interview at the company’s headquarters in Seoul. "We started 10 years ago.”