BYD’s Blade Battery for electric buses (BYD)
BYD’s Blade Battery for electric buses (BYD)

The largest number of Chinese battery manufacturers, led by BYD, the world’s foremost battery and electric vehicle juggernaut, is set to participate in South Korea’s InterBattery expo next year in an apparent move to up the ante against their Korean rivals.

According to industry sources on Tuesday, 77 Chinese companies producing battery cells, materials and components are poised to attend Korea’s largest battery exhibition, from March 5-7, 2025, in Gangnam, Seoul.

This is the first time China-based cell-makers such as BYD and EVE Energy have been added to the participant list. BYD is reportedly setting up a 36-square-meter exhibition booth to boast its battery prowess. Although this space is smaller than the 540-square-meter booths of the Korean battery trio -- LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On -- BYD’s presence in the nation’s premier expo is threatening, sources said.

BYD is expected to highlight its Blade Battery, the company’s flagship lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery product. First launched in 2020, this elongated cell is named for its shape that resembles a sword blade, designed to provide a larger surface area that increases capacity compared to regular prismatic cells.

The Blade Battery offers an energy density of approximately 140-160 watt-hours per kilogram, lower than the average of 200-250 watt-hours per kilogram of its Korean competitors’ nickel, cobalt and manganese, or NCM, products. However, the LFP chemistry is considered safer, as it reduces the risk of overheating, fire and explosion compared to NCM.

BYD Korea declined to comment on the details of their exhibition booth, noting, “The Chinese headquarters will take over the arrangements for the expo.”

Industry watchers say BYD will likely capitalize on Korea as a strategic foothold to connect with global clients and Korean companies. Through the InterBattery event, BYD could promote its image as a global brand and get a sneak peek at Korean rivals’ battery strategies.

BYD has been gearing up for a foray into Korea’s passenger EV market due to the growing oversupply issue at home and strong trade hurdles against Chinese-made products in key EV markets, including the US and Europe. Notably, the Chinese battery- and EV-maker plans to unveil its first showroom in western Seoul early next year.

EVE Energy, already operating a joint venture for cathode materials with SK On in Yancheng, eastern China, plans to explore new business opportunities with other Korean companies.

As for the Chinese battery equipment producers, Shenzhen Hymson Laser Technology Group, Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment, Hoosun Technology Group and Hubei Xiangyuan New Material Technology decided to participate in the InterBattery expo, among others.


hyejin2@heraldcorp.com