Ferrari, SK On renew their on-going technical collaboration on battery cells

Italian sportscar manufacturer Ferrari has announced its renewed collaboration with battery maker SK On. The brand's CEO Benedetto Vigna and Chief R&D Officer Ernesto Lasalandra met Lee Seok-hee, Chief Executive Officer of SK On, at the SK Seorin Building in Seoul recently to sign an MoU in this regard. 

The pact strengthens the companies' on-going technological collaboration and insight exchanges, envisioning new possibilities and potential solutions to drive continuous improvement in battery cell technologies for hybrid and electric vehicles. 

Since 2019,  SK On has been supplying battery cells for Ferrari's most powerful models, starting with the marque's first ever range supercar and PHEV, the SF90 Stradale and its open-top variant, the SF90 Spider. This was followed in 2021 by the 296 GTB and in 2022 by the 296 GTS.

Last year, the automaker launched the limited-edition special version of the SF90 Stradale - the SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider - that combines a V8 ICE and electric motors, an emerging trend in the sport and performance segment of passenger cars. 

"When companies and suppliers come together, collaboration powers common progress," said Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari. "We are working together with SK On to explore new frontiers and fuel the energy of shared ideas."

Lee Seok-hee of SK On commented on the development, "We are excited to contribute to the continuing exploration of innovation with Ferrari which leads the global sports car market. Combining expertise and technologies from the two companies, we expect to provide clients with new experiences and values."

Ferrari is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030. Despite its commitment to internal combustion, a major pivot to electrification of its product portfolio is under way. By 2026, approximately 60 per cent of Ferrari's offer will be split between fully electric and hybrid cars, the automaker claims.

The company is also establishing a new a purpose-built facility in Italy, which will be responsible for manufacturing electric motors, battery packs and power inverters for its hybrid and electric supercars.