POSCO Future M is investing in U.S. all-solid-state battery company Factorial Inc. to preempt the market for “all-solid-state batteries” (solid-electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries), which are considered a game changer in the battery industry.

On the 27th, POSCO Future M announced that it signed an investment agreement with U.S.-based Factorial on the 7th and completed payment of the investment funds the previous day (26th). This follows the memorandum of understanding (MOU) the two companies signed in November last year for joint development of all-solid-state battery technology. Under this agreement, Factorial will secure high-quality all-solid-state battery materials from POSCO Future M, including sulfide-based solid electrolytes.

All-solid-state batteries are batteries in which solid electrolytes replace the liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion battery components. In addition to the cathode and anode, the electrolyte that serves as the pathway is also solid, as the name implies, making all elements solid. They have low flammability, which significantly reduces fire risk, and high energy density, allowing more electricity to be stored. They also offer faster charging speeds.

Through this investment, POSCO Future M intends to prepare for the explosive growth of the all-solid-state battery market. All-solid-state batteries are expected to see significantly expanded application not only in next-generation mobility but also in the physical artificial intelligence (AI) market, including humanoids and robotics. Hong Young-joon, head of the POSCO Future M Research Institute, said, “Through our partnership with Factorial, we will be able to secure unrivaled competitiveness in line with the emergence of the all-solid-state battery market.”

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