Samsung SDI Co., the battery-making unit of the Samsung Group, on Monday showcased its latest battery cell for electric vehicles, which can run 600 kilometers once fully charged.

The company said it plans to start mass production of the prototype battery cell, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in 2020. The performance beats the previous record of 500 kilometers.

Samsung SDI estimates the global market for EVs, which stood at 278,000 units in 2015, will reach 1.16 million units by 2020.

Along with the new battery cell, Samsung SDI also showcased a new battery pack for EVs with 20 to 30 percent reduced height, yet improved power efficiency. Such an improvement will also let manufacturers cut costs, paving the way for mass production, it added.

In addition, Samsung SDI introduced what it calls low-voltage systems solutions that can improve power efficiency by up to 20 percent. The solution can help in worldwide efforts to cut gas emissions, as it can also be applied to traditional cars, the company said.

Samsung SDI, which started running its first EV battery production line in China, said it will continue efforts to beef up its competitiveness in battery packs. (Yonhap)