In a groundbreaking move that could reshape global EV safety standards, Hyundai Motor and Kia have joined forces with South Korea’s three leading battery manufacturers—LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On—to advance electric vehicle safety technologies through a comprehensive MOU signed on August 22, 2025.
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The Powerhouse Partnership Explained
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. have partnered with South Korea’s leading battery producers — LG Energy Solution Ltd., Samsung SDI Co. and SK On Co. — to advance electric vehicle (EV) safety technologies, creating what industry experts are calling the most significant EV safety collaboration in Asia.
This partnership brings together Korea’s automotive champions with the world’s most advanced battery technology companies, representing a combined market value exceeding $200 billion and controlling nearly 30% of the global EV battery market.
Born from Crisis: The Fire Safety Catalyst
The joint efforts began last August when Hyundai-Kia proposed setting up a task force on battery safety in the wake of a then public EV battery safety scare prompted by a massive fire incident. This proactive response demonstrates how industry leaders can transform challenges into innovation opportunities.
The partnership directly addresses growing concerns about EV fire safety that have been making headlines globally, from parking garage incidents to charging station fires that have shaken consumer confidence in electric mobility.
Strategic Collaboration Framework
Friday’s MOU calls for the companies to continue joint research, share patent rights and develop next-generation safety technologies that could become industry benchmarks. This unprecedented patent-sharing agreement signals a shift from competitive secrecy to collaborative innovation in critical safety areas.
The collaboration focuses on three core areas: advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), thermal runaway prevention, and emergency response protocols for EV incidents.
Technology Focus: Beyond Standard Safety
The two South Korean automakers, Hyundai and Kia said they were making extensive safety efforts in both hardware and software to improve the fundamental aspects of EVs. The partnership specifically targets BMS improvements—the “brain” of EV batteries that manages charging, temperature, and safety protocols.
This isn’t just incremental improvement; it’s fundamental reimagining of how EV battery systems can prevent, detect, and respond to potential safety issues before they become dangerous.
