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Korean Industrial Insight No. 9 of AI, Semiconductors, Batteries and Electric vehicles |
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2025-02-03 |
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Ⅰ. AI INDUSTRY TRENDS
1. Samsung Unveils Latest Smartphone Galaxy S25: “The True AI Smartphone”
- "Offers easy and intuitive AI experience... AI understands user context and analyzes preferences"
- Enhanced app connectivity and command inputs with conversational dialogue... Significantly improved camera performance
- Set to launch on 7th next month at same price as S24... Ultra-slim model 'Edge' also revealed
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy S25 series, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features.
On the 22nd (local time), the company held the "Galaxy Unpacked 2025" event in San Jose, California, where Silicon Valley is located, to announce the launch of its latest smartphone.
The Galaxy S25 series features significantly advanced AI capabilities compared to the Galaxy S24 series, which was the world's first AI smartphone launched last year.
In his keynote speech, Roh Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics' MX Division, stated, "Exactly one year ago, we launched the first AI-powered smartphone with Galaxy AI. The Galaxy S24 series opened new ways for creativity, communication, and work productivity."
He added, "However, what lies ahead is even more exciting. Today, we are once again setting the standard for mobile AI innovation, and we are making this a reality with the Samsung Galaxy S25."
Samsung stated, "If the previous model marked the beginning of AI integration, the Galaxy S25 series represents the launch of a smartphone with a fully realized AI architecture." They further emphasized, "With the enhanced Galaxy AI, we offer the most easy and intuitive AI experience ever, positioning it as a true AI smartphone and an AI companion."
Its competitor Apple has integrated AI features since last year, but it has not yet fully realized AI capabilities, which highlights the differentiation of the Galaxy series from iPhone.
The new series is equipped with 'One UI 7,' Samsung's first integrated AI platform for Galaxy devices. 'One UI' serves as the user interface for Samsung Electronics' devices, including the Galaxy.
Samsung stated, "One UI has been completely redesigned from the ground up for this series over the past three years, ensuring that it is designed for easy use in everyday life."
With 'One UI 7,' the connectivity between apps has been enhanced, allowing users to seamlessly navigate between applications without the need to search for them individually. For instance, if a user asks the AI to summarize the content while watching YouTube, it will automatically transfer the summarized information to Samsung Notes.
The AI experience is personalized by understanding the user situation and analyzing their preferences. Notably, enhanced conversational capabilities provide a more natural mobile experience.
For instance, within a gallery filled with thousands of images, users can simply input keywords such as date and location for the AI to locate specific images. Additionally, by analyzing user patterns, it offers personalized briefings, known as Now Brief, tailored to individual needs.
It functions like a personal assistant, providing essential information such as weather updates, schedules, and sleep scores. For users who check the news every morning, it recommends relevant articles from frequently visited sites.
It is equipped with multimodal functionality that simultaneously analyzes various types of information. Additionally, a new AI button has been added, enabling users to input commands in conversational dialogue.
For example, a single voice request such as, "Please find next week's Son Heung-min's Tottenham match schedule and add it to my calendar," will be processed immediately.
The ‘Circle to Search,’ the search feature integrated in the previous model in collaboration with Google, has evolved to support sound searches from users’ smartphones, including YouTube, in addition to images and text.
The 'Real-time Translation' feature now supports 20 languages, and new functionalities such as 'Text Conversion' for transcribing call content, 'Call Summary,' and a generative AI-based 'Writing Assistant' have also been implemented.
The new series is set to default to Google's AI model, Gemini, and has been designed as an integrated solution to ensure seamless connectivity between apps with other AI models that may be integrated in the future.
The chipset features the 'Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy,' which was developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. According to Samsung, the NPU has been improved by 40%, and the CPU and GPU by 37% and 30%, respectively, compared to the previous model.
‘ProScaler’ function, which is based on the AI-based algorithm designed in the chipset to enhance the display quality of various content, has been applied for the first time, resulting in over 40% improvement in image quality. Additionally, Samsung’s mDNIe image quality improvement solution has been applied to improve image quality and power efficiency.
The camera is equipped with a high-resolution sensor and the AI-based next-generation 'ProVisual Engine,' that can take high-definition images even at a distance.
The premium model, Galaxy S25 Ultra, is equipped with a new 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.
Samsung's own AI technology has also added video editing features that allow users to easily remove (Audio Eraser) or adjust the volume of voices, ambient sounds, noise, and wind sounds with just a click.
In terms of design, it features a rounded corner design and a larger display, as the bezels have been reduced by 15%. The device is now 0.4mm thinner and approximately 6% lighter.
The new series will be released sequentially worldwide starting February 7, with pre-sales in South Korea from the 24th this month to 3rd next month.
The domestic pricing for all models remains the same as those of the S24 series.
2. "Expansion of AI Technology Adoption in SMEs: Launch of Policy Advisory Group”
- Eleven experts from academia and industry
- Developing 'SME AI Utilization and Promotion Act'
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has formed a policy advisory group to promote the utilization and spread of artificial intelligence (AI) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The group will work on deriving policy tasks and preparing supporting legislation.
On the 23rd, the Ministry held a kickoff meeting for the 'SME AI Policy Advisory Group' at the Gwanghwamun Building in Seoul.
Currently, many SMEs are facing low adoption and utilization of AI technology due to a lack of information and uncertainty regarding future profitability. According to a survey conducted by the Korean Federation of Small and Medium Business in November last year, 94.7% of SMEs are not utilizing AI technology due to insufficient awareness of its application methods.
In response, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups has established a policy advisory group to identify policy tasks aimed at facilitating the adoption and utilization of artificial intelligence technology among small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. Additionally, the Ministry plans to develop a foundational policy framework, tentatively titled "Act on Promoting the Utilization and Spread of AI in SMEs."
The policy advisory group is composed of a total of 11 experts from academia, industry, and research institute in the field of AI. It will be operated intensively in a roundtable format until April.
The kickoff meeting included the presentation of the letter of appointment to the 11 advisory members, an announcement of the operational plan, and a session for gathering opinions and discussions from the policy advisory group.
The policy advisory group will discuss various topics, including regulations and responsive measures related to SMEs as outlined in the AI Basic Act passed last December, government-funded tasks, benchmarking successful international AI policies, and strategies for securing and sharing training data. The group will also propose policy tasks and legislative measures aimed at promoting the utilization and spread of AI among SMEs.
Furthermore, the group will gather industry feedback regarding the current status of AI adoption among SMEs and small business owners, as well as the challenges they face in utilization and the relevant policy initiatives. This feedback will be collected from SMEs, and related organizations and associations.
3. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Holds 3rd AI Industry Policy Committee Meeting... Announces 10 Key Initiatives
- Blueprint for the expansion of industrial artificial intelligence (AI) unveiled
On the 22nd, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 3rd AI Industry Policy Committee, presenting the "10 Key Initiatives for Expanding Industrial AI."
The committee is co-chaired by the Minister of Industry and the President of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, and it operates with four subcommittees focused on technology trends, future industries, standards, and policy recommendations, all composed of private sector experts.
The 10 key initiatives include: ▲ Leading AI Projects ▲ AI Agents and Physical AI ▲ Industrial AI Computing Infrastructure ▲ Industrial Data ▲ AI Semiconductors ▲ AI Talent ▲ Power Infrastructure ▲ Industrial AI Capital ▲ AI Ecosystem ▲ Industrial AI Regulations.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to prioritize the 10 key initiatives for the expansion of industrial AI, as outlined under the framework of the "National AI Strategy Policy Directions" presented at the first National AI Committee meeting last September. Following the development of detailed action plans for each initiative, the ministry will collaborate with relevant departments to implement them effectively.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "This year's CES reaffirmed that AI is no longer an option; our industrial future relies on how quickly we can utilize AI across various sectors." He emphasized, "Having recognized the potential of AI last year, it is now time to demonstrate its rapid application in industrial settings and to deliver tangible results."
Ⅱ. SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY TRENDS
1. Government R&D Budget of 29.6 Trillion Won Focuses on Semiconductor, AI, Quantum, and Advanced Bio Investments
- Joint briefing by 14 Ministries to be held until 24th
The South Korean government plans to allocate a record-high budget of 29.6 trillion won for research and development (R&D) initiatives in 2025. This investment will primarily focus on three key game changers: semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology, as well as national strategic technologies, talent development, fundamental research, and defense sectors.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 22nd that it will hold a joint briefing on the 2025 government R&D projects in collaboration with 14 central administrative agencies until the 24th.
This year, 32 ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, will be promoting R&D initiatives. To provide clear overview for researchers from academia, industry, and research institutions regarding the various government R&D projects scattered across multiple ministries, a joint briefing has been organized.
On the first day of the briefing (22nd), The Office of Science and Technology Innovation (OSTI) presented the government's R&D innovation strategies and improvements to the national research and development administrative system. Following this, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea AeroSpace Administration, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport outlined their respective major R&D projects and implementation schedules.
On the 23rd, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will present their projects. On the 24th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rural Development Administration, and the Korea Forest Service will also participate in the project presentations.
The head of the Office of Science and Technology Innovation stated, "We need to shift the government R&D system from a catchup model, following advanced countries, to a leading model that aims for world-first and world-best achievements." He added, "We will expedite the execution of the government R&D budget and establish investment directions for the next year's R&D by March, ensuring that government R&D initiatives proceed smoothly."
Meanwhile, this briefing can be viewed on the official website and the Ministry of Science and ICT's YouTube channel. The materials distributed during the briefing will also be available for review on the official website.
2. SK Hynix Dominates AI Semiconductor Market with HBM Technology, Surpassing Samsung
- Record revenue of KRW 66 trillion last year, soaring 102% year-on-year
- Operating profit exceeds Samsung's Device Solutions division; promising outlook with 12-layer HBM3E this year
SK Hynix achieved record-breaking performance in both the fourth quarter and for the entire year last year, driven by the growing demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which has become essential in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
The company announced on the 23rd that it reported a revenue of 66.193 trillion won last year, marking a 102.0% increase compared to the previous year. The operating profit stood at 23.467 trillion won, with an operating profit rate of 35%, achieving the highest results in the company's history. Revenue exceeded the previous record set in 2022 by over 21 trillion won, and operating profit surpassed the performance recorded during the memory boom in 2018.
In the fourth quarter of last year, both revenue and operating profit set new all-time highs just one quarter after the previous record. Revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 12% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 19.767 trillion won, while operating profit rose by 15% to 8.082 trillion won, resulting in an operating profit rate of 41%.
For the first time, the annual operating profit of SK Hynix exceeded that of Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division, which reported operating profits in the 15 trillion won range. SK Hynix's operating profit in the fourth quarter of last year also surpassed the total operating profit of all Samsung Electronics' business divisions, which amounted to 6.5 trillion won.
SK Hynix, previously the second-largest player in the DRAM industry, is solidifying its position as a leading supplier of HBM in the global semiconductor supply chain. HBM, which consists of multiple stacked DRAM chips, enables rapid data storage and processing in high-performance AI chips, such as NVIDIA's graphics processing units (GPUs). This high-value product is priced at approximately five times that of standard DRAM. SK Hynix is effectively the sole supplier of the fifth-generation HBM3E to NVIDIA.
Last year, HBM revenue increased more than 4.5 times compared to the previous year, with fourth-quarter HBM sales accounting for over 40% of total DRAM revenue. The outlook for this year is also promising. The HBM3E 12-layer product, which began mass production in September last year, is expected to account for more than half of HBM3E shipments in the first half of this year. During a recent conference call, SK Hynix stated, "We anticipate HBM revenue will grow by over 100% compared to last year," adding, "Our goal is to begin supplying the sixth-generation HBM4 products in the second half of this year."
SK Hynix anticipates continued growth in demand for HBM and high-capacity server DRAM, driven by the expansion of AI server investments from big tech companies and the increasing importance of AI inference technology. The consumer market is also expected to improve in the latter half of the year, as sales of PCs and smartphones equipped with AI features rise. The recent emergence of Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASICs) is also seen as a positive development. As big tech companies seek to reduce their dependence on NVIDIA, they are increasingly developing their own AI chips, which will require HBM. SK Hynix stated, "Demand from ASIC-based customers is expected to grow significantly, leading to an expansion of our customer base."
3. Attempted Theft of Semiconductor Cleaning Technology: CEO of Chinese Firm’s Korean Subsidiary Faces Trial
- Alleged misuse of blueprints for cleaning equipment designated as advanced technology
- Seized equipment and KRW 10 Billion in development funds confiscated as criminal proceeds
The CEO of a domestic subsidiary of a Chinese semiconductor equipment company has been indicted while in custody for attempting to export semiconductor cleaning equipment made by misappropriating national core technologies developed by Samsung Electronics and its affiliates.
On the 19th, the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office for Defense Acquisition and Industrial Technology Crime Investigation Unit announced that two individuals, A (55), the operator of a Chinese-affiliated company, and B (43), the head of the design team, have been indicted and detained on charges of violating the Industrial Technology Protection Act and the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act. Additionally, three corporate entities associated with A, along with nine related individuals, have been indicted without detention on similar charges.
A, the CEO of the domestic subsidiary of China's largest semiconductor equipment company, is accused of colluding with B and others to unlawfully use the design blueprints for the cleaning equipment chamber and transfer robot of SEMES, the largest semiconductor equipment manufacturer in Korea and a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, from October 2021 to April 2024.
He is also alleged to have created a new recipe by utilizing Samsung Electronics' cleaning process recipe, which documents the detailed procedures and methods for operating the cleaning equipment.
Semiconductor manufacturing involves repeatedly applying and etching circuits onto a disc called a 'wafer' using lasers and chemicals, necessitating the precise removal of contaminants generated during this process.
The contaminants generated during this process are extremely small, approximately one ten-thousandth the thickness of a human hair, making it a highly advanced technology to remove only these contaminants without damaging the semiconductor being manufactured.
Over the past 30 years, Samsung Electronics and SEMES have invested substantial capital and resources to develop world-class cleaning technologies. This incident nearly jeopardized their core expertise. The recipes and design blueprints for the cleaning equipment that were leaked are designated as national core technologies and advanced technologies by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The prosecution explained that this crime represents a new method of technology leakage, differing from previous cases where foreign companies lured engineers with high salaries. Instead, it involved foreign companies establishing and operating domestic subsidiary firms to systematically attempt technology theft.
Previously, A, who operated a semiconductor parts company after leaving Samsung Electronics, had been attempting to develop cleaning equipment since 2018 by offering high salaries to recruit domestic semiconductor manufacturing experts, including those from Samsung.
In November 2021, he transferred all personnel and technology to the domestic subsidiary of a Chinese company in exchange for over KRW 7.8 billion and entered into a contract to develop cleaning equipment specifically for the Chinese firm.
Afterward, A began collecting technical materials from domestic semiconductor companies by obtaining illegally leaked documents or materials from the recruited employees who left their previous jobs, and acquaintances. Based on this information, he led the development of cleaning equipment, resulting in the production of two prototypes and two mass production units.
One of the produced prototypes was leaked to China, while the remaining three cleaning equipments are currently confiscated by the prosecution.
Ⅲ. BATTERY INDUSTRY TREND
1. Korean Government Launches KRW 50 Trillion Advanced Industry Fund for Direct Investments in Batteries and Semiconductors
- Financial Services Commission "Preparation for Trump Administration 2.0”
- Separate fund to be established at Industrial Bank
- To support new factories for bio and other sectors
- Transitioning from low-interest loans to joint investments with corporations
The government is establishing a fund of up to 50 trillion won to make direct investments in future growth industries such as batteries, semiconductors, secondary batteries, and biotechnology. This decision comes from the recognition that enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic advanced industry requires more direct and effective support than traditional methods like low-interest loans, in the face of the "Trump 2.0 era."
On the 22nd, the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission Byoung Hwan Kim stated during a press briefing at the Government Complex-Seoul, "There are significant concerns regarding the competitiveness of domestic industries following the inauguration of the Donald Trump administration." He added, "We have begun discussions with relevant ministries on the establishment of a separate fund at the Industrial Bank to strengthen the competitiveness of advanced industries."
Last year, the government implemented a low-interest loan program amounting to 17 trillion won to support the semiconductor industry. This program was aimed at financing new facilities, including research and development (R&D) investments. However, it has been pointed out that the limitations of this program include its focus solely on the semiconductor sector and its loan format, which diminishes its overall investment effectiveness.
As a result, the government is planning to establish the "Advanced Industry Fund (tentative name)” to make direct investments in key sectors such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, and biotechnology. Chairman Kim emphasized, "For instance, when constructing new factories or making new investments, we will establish special purpose companies (SPCs) to enable joint investments by both the corporations and the fund." He noted that this approach would provide greater support in terms of cost competitiveness compared to traditional loans that incur interest expenses, while also allowing for large-scale investments. The fund will also offer support in the form of loans or equity investments (participation in capital increases) based on corporate demand.
The fund's resources will be secured through government guarantees and funded by bonds issued by the Industrial Bank. The fund will be able to recoup its investments through mechanisms such as receiving dividends from the profits generated by the factories. A senior official from the FSC stated, "This will be a massive project, with the fund size potentially reaching up to 50 trillion won."
Establishing a separate fund at the Industrial Bank is aimed at facilitating more proactive investments. Chairman Kim explained, "If the Industrial Bank invests from its own account, it will face regulatory burdens such as the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) ratio." He added, "By managing a separate fund, these investments will be excluded from the BIS ratio calculation, allowing for much more aggressive investment and support." The FSC plans to finalize the execution strategy by March, following an assessment of corporate demand and consultations with relevant ministries.
2. SK On Supplies KRW 2.5 Trillion Battery to Nissan's U.S. Plant
- Jackpot deal amidst losses and drought in orders
- Sufficient for 300,000 electric vehicles
SK On has reached an agreement to supply 20 GWh of batteries to Nissan's U.S. plant starting in 2028. Based on recent calculations of battery cell prices, this deal is estimated to be worth approximately 2.5 trillion won. Analysts suggest that this marks a significant "order jackpot" for SK On, which has been facing losses due to the slowdown in electric vehicle sales.
According to industry sources on the 23rd, SK On and Nissan have reached an agreement on the terms and are currently coordinating the specific timing of the contract. The 20 GWh supply is sufficient for approximately 300,000 electric vehicles. SK On and Nissan signed a MOU regarding battery supply last March and have been discussing negotiation terms since then. Initially, it was anticipated that deliveries would occur around 2026-2027, considering Nissan's electric vehicle launch schedule. However, due to the prolonged slowdown in electric vehicle sales, it has been reported that the delivery timeline has been pushed back.
Nissan is currently undergoing merger procedures with Honda. Until the synergy effects of the merger materialize by 2030, both companies have decided to operate their electric vehicle businesses separately. There are strong expectations that once the merger is complete, they will manufacture electric vehicles on a common platform, similar to Hyundai Motor and Kia. This could significantly alter the battery supply chain landscape for the merged entity. Nissan sources batteries from SK On, while Honda is constructing a joint plant with LG Energy Solution in the U.S. In this context, SK On has secured a stable supply source by winning a contract with Nissan.
According to Bloomberg NEF, the price of battery cells is approximately $89 per kWh. When calculated for 20GWh, this amounts to an estimated $1.78 billion (around 2.5 trillion won). This order is expected to be a "much-needed relief" for SK On amid challenging conditions. SK On operates its own factory in Georgia, as well as a joint plant with Ford in Kentucky and Tennessee. Due to a slowdown in electric vehicle sales from its key customer Ford, SK On's production capacity in the U.S. has also been low, making it likely that they will utilize unused production lines to supply Nissan.
3. Elimination of U.S. IRA Could Erase Even 'Meager Profits' for South Korean Battery Industry
If the second term of the Trump administration in the United States were to abolish or reduce tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), it is projected that the South Korean battery industry would inevitably face a loss of expected benefits.
On the 24th, the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET) released a report titled "Impact of Global Industrial and Trade Policy Changes on the Korean Battery Industry and Response Strategies," which provided following analysis.
The report estimated that, thanks to the IRA introduced during the Biden administration, sales of Korean batteries in the U.S. market increased by approximately 26%.
The KIET estimated the impact of the IRA tax credit program on the sales of electric vehicles equipped with Korean batteries in the U.S. market and calculated the elasticity of sales related to the tax credit for Korean batteries. The report found that the increase in sales of Korean vehicles in the U.S. due to the IRA was approximately 24.1%, resulting in a corresponding increase of 1.08% in sales of 'K-batteries'.
The report analyzed that the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (AMPC) in IRA has particularly influenced the increase in operating profits for Korean battery companies. It explained that the AMPC has contributed to helping these companies maintain profitability amid challenges such as the electric vehicle chasm, which has led to temporary demand stagnation and underperformance.
As of the second quarter of 2024, the combined operating profit of the three major Korean battery companies was 15.4 billion won. According to the KIET, this figure was significantly bolstered by the AMPC, which exceeded 500 billion won for the quarter.
However, this positive impact is likely to diminish under the second Trump administration. President Trump, who was inaugurated on the 20th, has announced plans to abolish the electric vehicle mandate and is expected to abolish or reduce the IRA tax credits.
The report also stated that the recent downturn in the battery market is primarily due to stagnation (chasm) in demand from the electric vehicle sector, which accounts for over 80% of total battery demand. In the case of pure electric vehicle sales, the European market has experienced a downturn, indicating a significant slowdown that began in the first half of last year. However, it is believed that the current market challenges are likely a reflection of the cyclical nature of the device industry, and the report projects that long-term growth trends will continue.
Ⅵ. ELECTRIC VEHICLE INDUSTRY TRENDS
1. BYD Targets South Korea with Electric Vehicle 'ATTO 3' Launch
- Brand debut event held on the 16th; pre-orders now open
- Competitive pricing with subsidy benefits. Around KRW 20 million
- BYD Korea CEO Inchul Cho, "Focusing on expanding brand experience"
BYD Korea has officially entered the South Korean electric vehicle market by introducing a compact electric SUV, priced around KRW 20 million (anticipated price after electric vehicle subsidies).
On the 16th, BYD Korea held its brand launch event, during which it announced its business strategy and new vehicle release plans. The event was attended by over 250 participants, including Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD's Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, BYD Korea CEO Inchul Cho, representatives from six dealership companies, and media representatives and industry stakeholders from both Korea and China.
BYD is a global deep-tech company operating in four core sectors: automotive, light rail, renewable energy, and electronics, with a presence in over 100 markets and regions worldwide. This marks the first entry of a Chinese company into the South Korean passenger vehicle market (excluding commercial vehicles). Notably, last year, BYD sold over 4.27 million eco-friendly vehicles globally, securing its position as the world's leading seller of eco-friendly cars for three consecutive years.
BYD Korea, which made its debut in the domestic electric commercial vehicle market in 2016 with electric forklifts, electric buses, and electric trucks, plans to launch a total of three electric vehicle models this year. This includes the compact electric SUV 'ATTO 3', the performance-oriented mid-size electric sedan 'SEAL', and the mid-size electric SUV 'SEALION 7'.
The ATTO 3, which has started pre-orders today, is the flagship model of the brand, having sold over 1 million units globally since its launch in 2022. It features BYD's dedicated electric vehicle platform, the 'e-Platform 3.0', a mass-produced 8-in-1 electric powertrain that connects all electric control units and management systems, and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery with a capacity of 60.48 kWh.
The Atto 3 offers a driving range of 321km (combined) on a single charge and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes with fast charging. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds, with a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. Additionally, to cater to the preferences and convenience of Korean customers, it applied localized features and services such as T Map Mobility and the domestic music platform FLO.
BYD Korea anticipates that once the government subsidies for the ATTP 3 is confirmed, it will lower the actual purchase price to around 20 million KRW. CEO Inchul Cho stated, "The domestic selling price of the ATTO 3 has been set lower than in Europe and other major markets. This strategy aims to allow more Korean consumers to experience the brand value and technological capabilities of 'BYD.' The headquarters in China fully recognizes the importance of the Korean market."
BYD Korea announced on the 24th that the number of pre-orders for the compact electric SUV 'ATTO 3', revealed on the 16th, has reached 1,000 units.
BYD Korea announced its entry into the domestic electric passenger vehicle market on January 16 and began pre-orders for the ATTO 3 as its first model. Just one week later, on the afternoon of the 23rd, pre-orders surpassed 1,000 units, indicating a successful start.
Notably, 99% of the pre-orders for the ATTO 3 were for the higher trim level, 'BYD ATTO 3 Plus'.
2. Recall of 343,000 Vehicles Including Hyundai POTER Ⅱ EV Due to ‘12V Battery Sensor Design Error’
The vehicles manufactured or imported and sold by Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and Tesla Korea have been found to have design flaws in the 12V battery sensors. As a result, a voluntary corrective action (recall) will be initiated.
A total of 141,125 units of the Hyundai POTER II EV and another model will undergo corrective actions starting from the 3rd of next month due to design flaws in the 12V battery sensor. Also, 19,830 units of NEXO will start corrective measures immediately due to insufficient durability of the emergency hazard warning light switch.
A total of 89,598 units of the Kia Sorento Hybrid and another model will undergo corrective measures starting from the 24th of this month due to software errors in the body domain controller. Additionally, 86,204 units of the Bongo III EV and another model will commence corrective measures on the 31st of this month due to design flaws in the 12V battery sensor.
A total of 4,068 units of the Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC and another model have been undergoing corrective actions since the 16th of this month due to software errors in the engine control unit.
A total of 2,425 units of the Tesla Model Y and another model have been undergoing corrective measures since the 14th of this month due to software errors in the tire pressure monitoring system, which have resulted in the tire pressure warning device not functioning properly and failing to meet safety standards.
In relation to this defect correction, each manufacturer will inform vehicle owners of the corrective measures via mail and text messages. If a vehicle owner has already repaired the defect at their own expense prior to the corrective action, they may apply to the manufacturer for reimbursement of the repair costs.
3. SKelectlink Launches EV Charing Stations at National Train Stations
SKelectlink is set to establish electric vehicle charging facilities at railway stations nationwide, aiming to enhance the charging experience for customers.
SKelectlink announced on the 23rd that it has completed the installation and started operation of a total of 495 electric vehicle chargers at 158 railway stations nationwide, in collaboration with Korail. This achievement comes just over a year after being selected as the contractor for the establishment of electric vehicle charging facilities in train station parking lots by the end of 2023.
Out of the total 495 chargers, 269 are fast chargers. Among these, the ultra-fast chargers with a capacity of 350kW can charge an Ioniq 5 from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Customers can check the locations and availability of charging stations through the SKelectlinik app, and these facilities are accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they are using the train. Additionally, customers utilizing fast charging will receive a complimentary 1-hour parking benefit.
SKelectlink has established electric vehicle charging facilities in high-traffic areas such as highway rest stops, parking lots of governmental offices, and large supermarkets, ensuring easy access for vehicles. Notably, this year, the company has officially commenced operations of charging stations ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, enhancing convenience for travelers returning to their hometowns using train and electric vehicles.
SKelectlink has been recognized for enhancing customer charging convenience through its auto-charging service, 24-hour monitoring system, and customer support center. Launched in early 2023, the auto-charging service automatically authenticates vehicle information simply by connecting the charging cable, eliminating the need for procedures such as card swipes or logins.
A representative from SKelectlink stated, "We will continue to promote the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and provide high-quality services to lead the electric vehicle charging industry."
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Korean Industrial Insight No.11 of AI, Semiconductors, Batteries and Electric vehicles in Chinese
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