Which Battery Is Used in Hyundai? Inside the Power Systems of a Global Automaker

Hyundai primarily uses lithium-ion batteries (especially NCM and LFP chemistries) for its hybrid and electric vehicles, and conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid or AGM batteries for starting and auxiliary functions in most models. The exact battery type depends on the vehicle: internal‑combustion cars typically use lead‑acid, while hybrids and EVs rely on large, high‑voltage lithium‑ion packs supplied by partners such as LG Energy Solution and SK On.

Understanding the Question: “Which Battery Is Used in Hyundai?”

When drivers ask which battery Hyundai uses, they may mean the small 12‑volt battery under the hood, the large high‑voltage pack in hybrids and EVs, or the specific chemistry and supplier. Hyundai employs several battery technologies across its lineup, from basic gasoline sedans to advanced electric models like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Each segment has its own battery role, chemistry and design.

The Two Main Battery Roles in Hyundai Vehicles

1. The 12‑Volt Battery (Starting and Auxiliary Power)

In almost every Hyundai, there is a 12‑volt battery responsible for powering electronics, locking systems, lights and, in combustion engines, starting the engine. This is the battery owners most often replace.

The main types of 12‑volt batteries used by Hyundai include:

• Conventional flooded lead‑acid batteries – Common in many non‑hybrid gasoline and diesel Hyundais (e.g., Accent, Elantra, Tucson in basic trims). They are relatively inexpensive and widely available.
• AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries – Used especially in models with start‑stop systems, higher electrical loads or more advanced electronics. AGM units offer better deep‑cycle durability and resistance to vibration.
• 12‑volt lithium‑ion auxiliary batteries (select HEV/EV models) – Some recent hybrids and EVs, such as the Ioniq 5 in certain markets, use a small lithium‑ion module instead of a conventional lead‑acid unit to reduce weight and improve reliability.

These 12‑volt batteries are not the traction batteries that power the wheels in hybrid or electric models; they serve primarily as support and safety systems, even in EVs that have much larger high‑voltage packs.

2. The High‑Voltage Traction Battery (Hybrid, Plug‑In Hybrid and EV)

Hyundai’s hybrid, plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) and battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) all rely on high‑voltage traction batteries, typically in the 200–800 V range, to drive the electric motor and store regenerative braking energy. The chemistry and design of these packs are central to performance, range and safety.

At a high level, Hyundai uses two main lithium‑ion chemistries for traction batteries:

• NCM (Nickel–Cobalt–Manganese) lithium‑ion – Historically the most common in Hyundai’s earlier EVs and many hybrids, valued for high energy density and strong performance.
• LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) lithium‑ion – Increasingly adopted, especially for standard‑range or lower‑cost models, favored for its robust thermal stability, long cycle life and cobalt‑free composition.

While both chemistries are lithium‑ion, NCM and LFP trade off energy density, cost and safety characteristics, which is why Hyundai deploys them strategically depending on model and market.

Battery Types by Hyundai Powertrain Category

Gasoline and Diesel Hyundai Models

Conventional internal‑combustion Hyundais are the simplest in terms of batteries: they generally rely on a single 12‑volt unit.

The main battery characteristics in these models are:

• Type: Flooded lead‑acid (most trims) or AGM (for start‑stop or high electrical load trims).
• Voltage: 12 V nominal.
• Function: Engine starting, powering lights, infotainment, control modules and other accessories.
• Location: Usually in the engine bay, sometimes under a cover or plastic shroud.

For owners of a non‑hybrid, non‑electric Hyundai, the battery “type” you interact with is this 12‑volt lead‑acid or AGM unit, chosen mainly for cost, compatibility and reliability rather than cutting‑edge technology.

Hyundai Hybrid (HEV) and Mild‑Hybrid Systems

Hyundai’s full hybrids and mild‑hybrid systems pair a combustion engine with an electric motor and a high‑voltage battery, plus a conventional 12‑volt system. This arrangement provides improved fuel economy and smoother operation.

In most modern Hyundai HEVs (such as hybrid variants of the Sonata, Elantra/Avante and Tucson), the typical battery setup includes:

• High‑voltage hybrid battery:
  

  • Technology: Lithium‑ion polymer or lithium‑ion NCM chemistry.
  • Voltage: Usually around 200–240 V, depending on model.
  • Capacity: Relatively modest (typically 1–2 kWh for non‑plug‑in hybrids), designed for frequent charge–discharge cycles, not long electric‑only ranges.
  • Location: Often under the rear seats or cargo area to protect the pack and maintain cabin space.

• 12‑volt battery:
  

  • Type: Often traditional lead‑acid or AGM; in some newer platforms, a compact lithium‑ion auxiliary battery may be integrated.
  • Function: Powers low‑voltage electronics and supports system startup.

These hybrid batteries are supplied largely by Korean partners like LG Energy Solution and SK On, optimized for durability and rapid cycling rather than maximum range, distinguishing them from larger EV packs.

Plug‑In Hybrids (PHEV)

Hyundai PHEVs bridge the gap between conventional hybrids and full EVs, offering a usable all‑electric driving range supplemented by a gasoline engine. Their battery systems are significantly larger than those of standard hybrids.

Typical traits of Hyundai PHEV batteries include:

• Chemistry: Lithium‑ion polymer or NCM, with higher energy density than HEV packs.
• Capacity: Commonly in the 8–14 kWh range (depending on model and generation), allowing dozens of kilometers of electric‑only driving.
• Voltage: 300–400 V class, suitable for full electric propulsion.
• Charging: AC charging via an external connector, usually limited to AC Level 2 capabilities.
• Examples: Past plug‑in versions of the Hyundai Ioniq, Tucson PHEV and Santa Fe PHEV in various markets.

In these vehicles, the high‑voltage lithium‑ion pack is the primary energy source for electric propulsion, while the 12‑volt system remains responsible for traditional low‑voltage functions, mirroring full EV architectures.

Battery‑Electric Vehicles (EVs): Ioniq and Beyond

Hyundai’s pure EV lineup—led today by the Ioniq sub‑brand and models like the Kona Electric—uses large lithium‑ion battery packs as the sole traction energy source. These packs are central to vehicle design, performance and charging speed.

Key characteristics of batteries in Hyundai’s modern EVs include:

• Chemistries in use:
  

  • NCM lithium‑ion – High energy density, used extensively in early Kona Electric, early Ioniq Electric and the first waves of Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in many regions.
  • LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) – Increasingly adopted for some standard‑range versions and cost‑focused trims, particularly in markets like China and, progressively, in broader regions as Hyundai diversifies suppliers.

• Battery capacities:
  

  • Ioniq 5: Commonly around 58 kWh (standard range) and 72–77 kWh (long range), with variations by model year and market.
  • Ioniq 6: Similar spread, with roughly mid‑50s kWh for standard range and low‑ to mid‑70s kWh for long range trims.
  • Kona Electric: Historically around 39–40 kWh (shorter range) and 64 kWh (longer range), with updated packs in the latest generation.

• Voltage and architecture:
  

  • Newer E‑GMP platform EVs (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Ioniq 7/Santa Fe‑class EV) use an 800‑V electrical architecture, enabling very fast DC charging.
  • Earlier EVs (first‑gen Kona Electric, Ioniq Electric) typically operate on a 400‑V system.

• Suppliers:
  

  • LG Energy Solution and SK On are primary suppliers of NCM packs for many global markets.
  • CATL and others are involved in supply of LFP packs for certain regions and trims as Hyundai diversifies sourcing.

• Auxiliary battery (“12‑V” in EVs):
  

  • Some EVs still use a physical 12‑V lead‑acid battery; more recent designs increasingly integrate a small lithium‑ion auxiliary battery module for low‑voltage systems.

These traction batteries define the driving range, charging experience and performance profile of Hyundai’s EVs, marking a major shift from the conventional lead‑acid focus of earlier decades.

Suppliers and Strategic Battery Partnerships

Key Battery Suppliers for Hyundai

Hyundai, as part of Hyundai Motor Group (which also includes Kia and Genesis), relies on a network of major battery partners. Rather than producing all cells in‑house, Hyundai designs packs and management systems around cells from specialized manufacturers.

The main suppliers and their roles include:

• LG Energy Solution (South Korea)
  

  • Longstanding supplier of NCM lithium‑ion cells for Hyundai’s early EVs and many current models.
  • Provides cells for several versions of the Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and various hybrids, depending on region.

• SK On (South Korea)
  

  • Another core partner, co‑developing and supplying packs for E‑GMP platform vehicles.
  • Involved in U.S. battery manufacturing joint ventures responding to regional content rules and EV demand.

• CATL and other LFP specialists (China and beyond)
  

  • Progressively engaged to supply LFP batteries for standard‑range or value‑focused Hyundai EVs, particularly in China and select export markets.
  • Support Hyundai’s push toward cobalt‑free chemistries for cost and sustainability reasons.

This supplier diversification not only helps Hyundai manage cost and capacity risks, but also gives it flexibility to tailor chemistries—a key factor behind why different trims and markets can use different battery types despite sharing a model name.

From NCM to LFP: Why Hyundai Is Adding New Chemistries

Hyundai’s shift toward LFP in some models reflects wider industry trends and strategic considerations.

The main motivations and trade‑offs behind this shift include:

• Cost reduction: LFP cathodes use no cobalt or nickel, making them cheaper and less exposed to price volatility.
• Thermal stability and safety: LFP is more tolerant of abuse and high temperatures, which can reduce risk and simplify some aspects of pack protection.
• Cycle life: LFP typically withstands more charge–discharge cycles, making it suitable for high‑mileage fleet applications or value‑oriented vehicles.
• Lower energy density: The main downside: for a given weight or volume, LFP stores less energy than NCM, so packs may be larger or offer shorter range.
• Use in standard‑range trims: Hyundai can deploy LFP in base or standard‑range EV versions where ultra‑long range is less critical, reserving NCM for long‑range and performance variants.

As of late 2024, Hyundai continues to mix NCM and LFP across its EV portfolio, using each where it best matches performance, price and safety targets for specific markets.

What This Means for Hyundai Owners and Buyers

Identifying the Battery in Your Hyundai

For owners, understanding which battery is in their Hyundai helps with maintenance expectations, replacement planning and EV shopping decisions.

Practical ways to identify your Hyundai’s battery type include:

• Check the owner’s manual: It lists the 12‑V battery specifications and, for hybrids and EVs, the high‑voltage battery details (chemistry, capacity and safety information).
• Look under the hood (or in the trunk): Traditional 12‑V batteries are visibly labeled as lead‑acid, AGM or sometimes lithium‑ion; rating stickers show voltage and amp‑hour values.
• Review the spec sheet or window sticker: EV and PHEV brochures nearly always list battery capacity (kWh) and system voltage, which indirectly indicate the battery’s role and type.
• Ask a Hyundai dealer or service center: Dealers can reference VIN‑specific data to confirm exact battery chemistry, supplier and warranty coverage.

By verifying these details, owners can better anticipate replacement costs, understand warranty coverage and make informed decisions about charging habits or upgrades.

Battery Warranty and Longevity

Hyundai has widely promoted robust warranties on high‑voltage batteries, especially in major markets such as North America and Europe.

Key points about Hyundai battery warranties and longevity include:

• EV and hybrid battery warranties:
  

  • Typically around 8 years or 160,000 km (100,000 miles) for high‑voltage batteries, though specifics vary by country and model.
  • Some regions offer longer coverage or capacity retention guarantees (e.g., the battery will retain a certain percentage of its original capacity during the warranty period).

• 12‑V batteries:
  

  • Usually covered under standard vehicle warranty periods, much shorter than high‑voltage battery coverage.
  • Expected replacement interval is often 3–6 years depending on use and climate.

• Expected life of high‑voltage packs:
  

  • Real‑world data from early Hyundai EVs such as the first‑generation Kona Electric suggests many packs retain a large majority of their capacity after several years and tens of thousands of kilometers.
  • Battery management systems (BMS), liquid cooling in many EVs, and conservative charging strategies help prolong life.

While eventual capacity loss is unavoidable in any lithium‑ion battery, Hyundai’s warranty policies and design decisions aim to keep this degradation within acceptable limits for typical ownership cycles.

Summary

Hyundai does not rely on a single universal battery; instead, it uses a portfolio of technologies tailored to each vehicle’s role. Conventional gasoline and diesel models rely mainly on 12‑volt lead‑acid or AGM batteries. Hybrids and plug‑in hybrids add compact high‑voltage lithium‑ion packs—usually NCM‑based—for improved efficiency. Fully electric models such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kona Electric are powered by large lithium‑ion traction batteries in NCM or increasingly LFP chemistries, supplied by firms like LG Energy Solution, SK On and, in some regions, CATL. For buyers and owners, this means the answer to “Which battery is used in Hyundai?” depends strongly on the specific model, market and trim—but across the lineup, Hyundai’s strategy combines established 12‑volt technologies with sophisticated lithium‑ion systems to underpin its transition toward electrified mobility.

Who is the battery supplier for Hyundai?

Hyundai Motor India is set to become the first Indian carmaker to source locally produced battery cells for its electric vehicles. The company has partnered with Exide Energy Solutions.

What battery manufacturer does Hyundai use?

The list reveals most of Hyundai’s EVs are powered by batteries from Korea’s LG Energy Solution and SK On. Only one of its models, the Kona Electric, uses batteries from the world’s largest battery manufacturer CATL, a Chinese firm.

What type of battery is used in Hyundai?

A 12V lead-acid battery is the most common type used in Hyundai vehicles to start the engine and power electrical systems.

How much does a Hyundai battery cost?

Labor costs are estimated between $124 and $260, while parts are priced between $95 and $854. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.