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What Brand Battery Does Hyundai Use?

Hyundai primarily uses batteries from LG Energy Solution and SK On for its electric vehicles, and a mix of global suppliers such as Hyundai Sungwoo Solite, AtlasBX/Clarios, Delkor, and others for its 12‑volt starter batteries, depending on the model, factory, and market. The exact brand in a specific car can vary by region, year, and whether the car is an internal-combustion, hybrid, or fully electric model.

How Hyundai Chooses Its Battery Brands

Hyundai Motor Group does not rely on a single battery brand worldwide. Instead, it structures supply contracts with several major battery manufacturers to secure capacity, meet regional regulations, and manage costs and technology changes. This approach means two identical Hyundai models sold in different countries may carry batteries from different brands, even when they are otherwise mechanically similar.

High-Voltage Batteries in Hyundai Electric and Hybrid Models

The most critical batteries in Hyundai’s lineup today are the high-voltage packs used in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in or full hybrids. These large lithium-ion packs define range, performance, and safety, and Hyundai partners with leading Korean and Chinese battery companies to source them.

Core Suppliers for Hyundai EV Battery Packs

The following list outlines the main companies that supply high-voltage battery packs or cells for Hyundai’s modern EV and hybrid platforms.

  • LG Energy Solution (LGES): A primary supplier for many Hyundai EVs, particularly earlier Kona Electric and Ioniq models, as well as some IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EVs under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella. LGES provides various NCM (nickel‑cobalt‑manganese) chemistries.
  • SK On (formerly SK Innovation): Another major partner supplying NCM-based lithium-ion batteries, including for certain IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EV6 variants, especially in North America and parts of Europe.
  • CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited): Supplies lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs for specific lower‑cost, shorter‑range Hyundai and Kia EV variants in select markets, notably China and, increasingly, Europe and other regions where LFP is gaining traction.
  • Samsung SDI (limited programs): While not as central as LGES or SK On for the Hyundai brand specifically, Samsung SDI has historically supplied some cells for Hyundai Motor Group projects and concept programs, and remains a strategic technology partner in battery research.

Together, these partners give Hyundai flexibility in chemistry and capacity, enabling the company to tailor battery specifications by region and model, balancing cost, range, and durability.

Hyundai’s E-GMP Platform and Battery Strategy

Hyundai’s dedicated EV platform, E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), underpins models such as the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EV6, and it is central to the company’s battery planning.

The following list highlights key aspects of Hyundai’s battery strategy on E-GMP and newer platforms.

  • Modular pack design: E-GMP uses a modular battery layout that allows Hyundai to integrate packs from different cell suppliers (LGES, SK On, and increasingly CATL for LFP) while keeping the vehicle architecture consistent.
  • 800‑volt electrical system: Many E-GMP EVs use 800‑volt architecture, enabling ultra-fast DC charging. Battery suppliers must meet these higher performance and cooling standards, influencing which chemistry and brands are used.
  • Chemistry diversification: Hyundai is expanding beyond NCM toward LFP for some models to reduce costs and improve durability, especially for fleet and entry‑level variants. This is where CATL plays a growing role.
  • Localization of supply: To meet regional content rules and cut logistics costs, Hyundai and its partners are investing in localized production—particularly in North America (e.g., joint ventures with LGES and SK On) and Europe.

This multi-supplier, chemistry-flexible approach means that while the underlying vehicle platform is standardized, the exact battery brand and chemistry can vary by plant and target market.

12‑Volt Starter Batteries in Hyundai Gasoline and Diesel Cars

Beyond high-voltage EV packs, every Hyundai also relies on a conventional 12‑volt battery for starting, lighting, and electronics. These are lead-acid or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) units from several brands, often with regional sourcing.

Most Common 12‑Volt Battery Brands in Hyundai Vehicles

The brands Hyundai uses for 12‑volt starter batteries differ considerably by manufacturing location and country of sale. The following list summarizes the most commonly seen brands in Hyundai’s global fleet.

  • Hyundai Sungwoo Solite (often branded “Solite”): A frequent OEM battery in Hyundai and Kia vehicles produced in Korea and some export markets. These batteries may carry Hyundai or Solite markings and are designed to meet factory specifications.
  • AtlasBX / Clarios: AtlasBX (now part of Clarios) is a major Korean battery producer that has long supplied Hyundai and Kia. Depending on the region, these batteries can be badged AtlasBX, AutoCraft, Varta, or other Clarios‑associated brands.
  • Delkor: Another common OEM supplier, particularly in Asia-Pacific and some European markets. Delkor is also linked to Clarios and produces maintenance-free calcium and AGM batteries compatible with Hyundai’s start-stop systems.
  • Local or regional OEM partners: In some assembly plants or regional markets, Hyundai may source 12‑volt batteries from local brands (for example, Exide, Varta, or Amaron in certain regions) that meet Hyundai’s specifications but do not carry the Hyundai name.

Because these 12‑volt batteries are commodity components with tight price competition, Hyundai prioritizes specification compliance and durability rather than loyalty to a single global brand.

Differences by Region and Model

Hyundai’s 12‑volt battery selection is heavily influenced by logistics and regional partnerships.

The points below illustrate how geography and model type shape the brand you may find under the hood.

  • South Korea and many export markets: Hyundai Sungwoo Solite and AtlasBX/Clarios are prevalent, especially in cars built in Korean plants for global export.
  • North America: OEM batteries may appear under brands associated with Clarios (including some dealer-supplied Motorcraft-style or store-label units) or regionally sourced suppliers, depending on plant and dealership agreements.
  • Europe: Varta, Delkor, and other Clarios-affiliated brands are common; Hyundai also uses AGM batteries in many models with start-stop technology, especially diesel and turbocharged petrol engines.
  • India and Southeast Asia: Locally produced batteries (such as Amaron or Exide in India) may be fitted in regionally manufactured Hyundai models like the i20, Venue, or Creta, under OEM agreements that vary over time.

This patchwork of suppliers means that while Hyundai defines the performance and fitment standards, the name on the label can differ widely between two seemingly identical vehicles.

How to Find Out Which Battery Brand Your Hyundai Has

Because Hyundai uses multiple suppliers, the most reliable way to identify the actual brand and specification in your specific car is to check the vehicle itself or its documentation.

Checking the Battery Brand in Your Vehicle

The following steps will help owners determine exactly which brand and type of battery their Hyundai uses.

  1. Look under the hood (or trunk in some models): Most 12‑volt batteries have the brand clearly printed on the top or side label. EVs and hybrids may have a separate 12‑volt unit in the engine bay or trunk, plus a high-voltage pack that is not directly visible.
  2. Read the label carefully: Note the brand (e.g., Solite, Delkor, AtlasBX), capacity (Ah), cold cranking amps (CCA), and type (flooded, EFB, or AGM). This information is critical if you plan to replace the battery.
  3. Consult the owner’s manual: While manuals rarely specify a brand, they do list required specs—voltage, capacity, and sometimes recommended technology (AGM vs conventional). Any replacement, regardless of brand, should meet or exceed these specifications.
  4. Ask a dealership or authorized service center: Dealers can look up the OEM part number based on your VIN, and tell you the official replacement part and typical supplier brands in your region.
  5. For EV high-voltage packs: The brand and chemistry are typically not printed in user-facing materials, but dealers and technical bulletins sometimes specify whether your vehicle uses LGES, SK On, or CATL cells, especially for recall or software‑update campaigns.

By combining a visual check with official documentation, owners can be confident about the battery brand and model they have or need to purchase.

Why Hyundai Uses Multiple Battery Brands

Hyundai’s reliance on several battery suppliers is not accidental; it is a deliberate strategy to manage risk, cost, and technological change in a rapidly evolving sector.

Risk Management and Supply Security

Global automakers have faced battery supply bottlenecks, trade disruptions, and raw material price swings. Hyundai mitigates these pressures by diversifying suppliers.

The following factors explain this strategy.

  • Avoiding single-supplier dependence: Relying on a single battery brand would expose Hyundai to severe production risks if that supplier faced factory shutdowns, quality issues, or geopolitical constraints.
  • Negotiation leverage: With multiple partners, Hyundai can negotiate aggressively on price and technology roadmaps, ensuring competitive offerings for its customers.
  • Regional resilience: Having suppliers with production bases in Asia, Europe, and North America allows Hyundai to adjust sourcing in response to tariffs, trade rules, or local incentives.

This multi-supplier model is now standard among large manufacturers and is likely to continue as global EV volume grows.

Technology, Chemistry, and Future Plans

Battery chemistry is evolving rapidly, and Hyundai wants flexibility to adopt new technologies without being locked into any single path.

The following list outlines key technological considerations that shape Hyundai’s battery partnerships.

  • Mix of NCM and LFP chemistries: NCM offers high energy density and performance, while LFP delivers lower cost and better cycle life. By working with LGES, SK On, and CATL, Hyundai can deploy both based on vehicle role and price point.
  • Advanced cell formats: Suppliers are developing pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical cell designs. Hyundai can adopt the most suitable format for each platform in cooperation with multiple partners.
  • Next-generation technologies: Hyundai is exploring solid-state batteries and higher‑manganese chemistries with various partners, aiming for future models with greater range, safety, and faster charging.

Because of these dynamics, the specific brand inside Hyundai batteries may evolve, even within a single model generation, as new supply contracts and technologies come online.

What This Means for Owners and Buyers

For most owners, the precise brand name of their Hyundai battery matters less than whether it meets Hyundai’s specifications, is properly maintained, and is replaced with a compatible unit when needed.

The following points sum up the practical implications for drivers.

  • Performance and warranty first: Factory‑installed batteries, regardless of brand, are chosen to meet Hyundai’s performance and durability targets and are covered under vehicle warranty terms.
  • Replacement flexibility: When it’s time to replace a 12‑volt battery, using a reputable brand that matches Hyundai’s specs is more important than matching the original brand exactly.
  • EV pack care: For high-voltage EV batteries, owners have little direct control over the brand. Following Hyundai’s charging and maintenance recommendations is the key to long life, not the specific cell supplier.
  • Regional variation is normal: If your manual or dealer mentions a different supplier than you see online, that does not signal a problem; it reflects Hyundai’s global sourcing strategy.

Understanding the broad outlines of Hyundai’s battery sourcing helps set expectations and avoid confusion, especially when comparing vehicles across markets or reading owner reports from other countries.

Summary

Hyundai does not rely on a single battery brand. For high-voltage EV and hybrid batteries, it primarily partners with LG Energy Solution and SK On, with CATL increasingly supplying LFP packs in select models and markets, and additional collaboration with other advanced cell makers where appropriate. For conventional 12‑volt starter batteries, Hyundai sources from Hyundai Sungwoo Solite, AtlasBX/Clarios, Delkor, and various regional suppliers, depending on where the vehicle is built and sold. The exact brand in any given Hyundai will vary by model year, factory, and market, but all OEM batteries are specified and tested to meet Hyundai’s performance and warranty requirements.

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