SK Innovation bans the sale of lithium-ion cells in the US. They are provided by Kii, VW, Ford, ...

SK Innovation, a South Korean manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, has a problem. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the company misappropriated trade secrets from LG Chem. Consequently, for 10 years, it will not be able to import certain lithium-ion cells into the United States.

LG Chem vs. SK Innovation

The ban, which covers certain types of lithium-ion cells - it's not clear which types are meant - will last ten years and effectively make it impossible for the manufacturer to sell them in the US. Thus, the ability to offer vehicles with SK Innovation batteries is also blocked.

So far, the South Korean company's elements have been used primarily by Kia, but SK Innovation has also won contracts to supply elements for the Ford F-150 electric program and Volkswagen vehicles based on the MEB platform. ITC gave Ford four years and Volkswagen two years to find another supplier.

In addition to these exemptions, SK Innovation is also able to replace and repair batteries in Kii vehicles and manufacture cells from raw materials sourced entirely from the United States. The latter option is not possible, according to industry experts cited by Yahoo (source).

LG Chem is pleased with the decision. The company said SK Innovation completely ignores warnings and intellectual property laws, leaving no choice to the manufacturer. In turn, SK Innovation itself still believes in the possibility of suspending President Joe Biden's decision because he is committed to and supporting the electrification of federal rolling stock in the United States.

It is also unofficially reported that the two companies have begun trade negotiations. If they agree, the ITC decision will expire.

Introductory photo: illustrative, links (c) SK Innovation