Korea`s lags behind Japan in lithium battery tech

Korea lags far behind Japan in terms of core technology and manufacturing knowhow in the rechargeable lithium battery sector, a government report said Wednesday, according to Yonhap News.



The basic technology levels of Korean firms such as Samsung SDI Co. and LG Chem Ltd. are estimated to reach just 30 percent those of their Japanese rivals like Sanyo Electic Co., according to the report by the Korea Trade Commission (KTC).

In terms of component and material development, the level of Korean firms amounts to about 50 percent that of the Japanese companies, it said.



"Korean companies enjoy overall competitiveness although they need to do more to bridge the technology gap," the KTC said.



Lithium batteries are widely used in notebook computers, mobile phones, various wireless information technology devices, and electric-driven automobiles.

Korea is the second-largest manufacturer of lithium batteries with a market share of 27 percent. Japan is the front-runner and currently meets half of world demand, with China

standing at third place with a 23 percent market share.