SES AI and Top Material to Enhance Battery Manufacturing for Drones in South Korea

SES AI Corporation and Top Material have announced a collaboration to increase battery cell manufacturing capacity in South Korea for drone and urban air mobility applications. This initiative will take place at SES AI's factory in Chungju, established in 2021 with support from the South Korean government.

The facility produced the first 100Ah lithium-metal battery for automotive use in 2021 and a 30Ah version for UAM in 2024. The partnership aims to utilize SES AI's advanced battery technologies alongside Top Material's gigafactory engineering expertise, ensuring compliance with the U.S.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) regarding supply chain requirements. A non-binding agreement has been reached, with a definitive agreement expected by Q1 2026.