A-PRO, a key player in the EV battery supply chain, focuses on customization of battery activation equipment, technological innovation and strategic R&D, driving efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is a notable phenomenon not just in the West, but also in China, and recently, the United States has implemented policies to incentivize domestic production. LG has established operations in the U.S. to offer battery solutions, and A-PRO has followed suit, providing equipment and after-sales service. In this evolving landscape, A-PRO stands out as a key player in the global EV supply chain, particularly concerning secondary batteries.
“North America is poised to heavily invest in the EV sector," says Lim Jonghyun, president of A-PRO, in an interview with The Worldfolio. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we've managed to sidestep direct competition with Chinese counterparts. Despite the current stagnation in the EV market, I firmly believe that EVs represent the future trajectory for us."
A-PRO's journey began in 2000 as a power components manufacturer. Over time, the company evolved to focus on rechargeable battery manufacturing equipment, initiating partnerships with industry giants like LG Energy Solutions. Today, A-PRO boasts a comprehensive portfolio, emerging as a total solution provider for power conversion-related devices and systems.
"Our current identity is rooted in our journey as a total solution provider, leveraging our foundational technologies such as AC/DC and DC/AC converters," Mr. Lim explains. "These technologies served as the cornerstone for our entry into battery activation."
Lim Jonghyun, A-PRO
"Our strength lies in technological innovation, with over 50-60 percent of our workforce dedicated to R&D."
Lim Jonghyun, President, A-PRO
A-PRO's engagement in the secondary battery market started in 2014, driven by orders from Samsung SDI. The company supplies all activation processing equipment and devices to the secondary battery market, meeting the demand for bi-directional converters. This technological advancement allows for both discharging and charging within the same circuit, a significant innovation in the field.
Customization and flexibility are key aspects of A-PRO's operations. "Customization is paramount in the secondary battery field due to varying requirements among companies," Mr. Lim notes. "For instance, we supply Samsung SDI with prismatic types, while LG Energy Solution and SK receive pouch types."
To address these diverse needs, A-PRO allocates over 50-60 percent of its workforce to R&D, comprising electronic software and hardware engineers. This focus on R&D enables the company to provide tailored solutions that enhance battery performance and client satisfaction. Working with Korean multinational corporations, known for their exacting standards, has further honed A-PRO's competitiveness in the international market.
Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit 2023
"Our strength lies in technological innovation," the A-PRO president emphasizes. "We actively propose solutions that align with our clients' needs. Through our long-term partnerships, we've developed an intuitive understanding of our clients' preferences, which helps us secure more orders."
A-PRO's innovations extend to enhancing battery performance and safety. The company focuses on assessing battery performance to ensure maximum capacity while identifying any defects. This involves continuous testing and measuring of various battery properties, including internal resistance and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).
“We have developed a deep learning system that can assess the state of health (SOH) of batteries within just 10 minutes," Mr. Lim shares. "This system rapidly analyzes the SOH curve within three minutes and makes a decision within 10 minutes."
A-PRO's strategic integration of GaN semiconductors has also been pivotal in driving efficiency and miniaturization. This synergy between A-PRO's equipment competitiveness and A-PRO Semicon's innovative GaN transistor technology has significantly enhanced the company's offerings.
200mm GaN on SiEpi & Device wafer
"Our primary focus remains closely aligned with LG Energy Solution," the president explains. "While we actively engage with new battery cell makers in the EU in terms of R&D, we refrain from direct overseas marketing initiatives at present."
Looking ahead, A-PRO is poised to leverage its core capabilities to explore new business opportunities and integrate new technologies into the fast-charging process. The company is also working on methods to detect and assess used batteries, contributing to a more sustainable approach to battery disposal.
For more details, explore their website at https://en.aproele.com/
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