– Finding the Hidden POSCO! –

Let’s begin!

① GIGA STEEL — Stronger, Lighter and Better for the Environment

POSCO developed GIGA STEEL, stronger and lighter than competing materials like aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Withstanding over 100 kg on 1mm2 space, GIGA STEEL builds stronger car bodies, suspension and battery packs making electric vehicles (EVs) safer for the public. Three times stronger and yet 3 times thinner than aluminum, it vastly lightweights car bodies.

With such strength, the GIGA STEEL effectively absorbs and disperses shocks in the event of an accident. It minimizes the shock impact thereby protecting the passengers as well as the batteries. Lighter but sturdier cars were made possible through POSCO’s GIGA STEEL.

GIGA STEEL is also eco-friendly as it helps protect the environment by reducing the cumulative CO2 emissions of cars by about 10%.

② Steel in the Tires! POSCO’s WTP Tire Cord Steel

Though invisible, steel is what makes car tires more durable. POSCO’s WTP (World Top Premium) tire cord steel is hidden in tire chords one of the many essential tire components. POSCO’s WTP refers to a line of products that enhance clients’ competitiveness with its high technology. POSCO’s WTP steel wire for tire cords are highly regarded – it improves stability and while minimizing the tire weight.

And it’s produced by twisting high carbon steel wire rod into a fine wire of 0.4 to 1.15mm in diameter. To withstand various dynamic loads on the vehicle, the tire cord steel undergoes rigorous quality control.

③ For Drive Motors, the World-class Electric Steel Hyper No

A motor is a key component of EVs. It boosts fuel efficiency and the performance of EVs. The function of drive motors in EV is that of an engine in gas vehicles – it allows the driveshaft to rotate via electric current. Highly efficient drive motors must be equipped with electrical steel plates with minimal power loss. POSCO has developed just that – the world-class electric steel plate, Hyper NO. Hyper No is used on high-efficiency motors.

When converting electricity into rotating energy, energy loss is inevitable. POSCO’s Hyper NO effectively minimizes the energy loss, thereby increasing energy efficiency – by over 30% than conventional products. To maximize motor efficiency, POSCO increased the magnetic flux density and successfully minimized energy loss. Thanks to POSCO’s Hyer No, an ultra-thin electric panel, as thin as 0.15mm, with minimum energy loss became a reality.

The ‘self-bonding’ technology POSCO developed recently applies coatings to the surface of electric steel plates, whose function is similar to that of glue. Unlike welding, POSO’s self-bonding technology retains the innate electromagnet characteristics of electric steel plates, which also connects to the improved motor efficiency. The self-bonding reduces energy loss by over 10 % compared to the conventional welding technique.

④ Secondary Battery Materials – from POSCO CHEMICAL!

Unlike disposable primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and reused repeatedly. Lithium-ion battery, an essential component of EVs, is a type of second batteries. Besides EVs, it is a popular choice for many consumer electronics such as portable devices and laptops. It’s also widely used for industrial robots and power tools that require high capacity and power.

A secondary battery consists of cathode materials that determine the average voltage and capacity of a battery, and anode materials which induce current flow by storing then releasing lithium-iron from the cathode, via external circuits.

POSCO CHEMICAL, POSCO Group’s up-and-coming-global enterprise, produces key materials for secondary batteries – cathode and anode materials. The newly established POSCO CHEMICAL is the result of the merger back in April – between POSCO ESM, top-quality cathode producing enterprise, and POSCO CHEMTECH, Korea’s only natural graphite anode producer. As a result of their merge, POSCO CHEMTECH is expected to bring synergies between anode and cathode production. Large-scale early investments in production facilities are currently underway.

⑤ Battery Charge Stations? POSCO ICT Is on It

The biggest concern for the early adopters of EVs is the business of charging the EVs. Making the charge as easy as possible is the key part of the solution.

That’s where POSCO ICT comes in. POSCO ICT established ‘ChargEV,’ a charging infrastructure for EVs. ChargEV provides comprehensive services related to charging EVs, which includes charge stations, control systems, charging membership as well as car-sharing services. Considering accessibility and charging time, POSCO ICT has already established public charging networks at major hubs across Korea – Lotte Mart, E-Mart, Homeplus, and LG Electronics’ BEST SHOP, etc.

⑥ Safe Power Supply, With POSCO ENERGY

Providing power for EVs is also POSCO Group’s utmost priority. Since launching the energy business in 1969, POSCO ENERGY has steadily supplied power to the Seoul Metropolitan area for over 50 years. Through expanded businesses such as the LNG combined-cycle power plant in Incheon, the company went from being Korea’s first private power plant to Korea’s largest.

As it turns out, the world’s top steelmaker POSCO was also a key player in producing core EV materials. The next installation of [Find the Hidden POSCO] will explore POSCO technologies that can be found inside our homes.

EVs will make up 54 percent of new car sales in 2040. (Source: Electrek)

Even though EVs make up about 1 percent of total new car sales in the U.S., EVs are on a steady, steep path upwards. According to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, EVs will make up 54 percent of new car sales by 2040, and by 2029, EVs will be cheaper to buy than gasoline and diesel-fueled cars.

The figures are significant and will translate into a sharp increase in demand for rechargeable batteries and their materials.

SEE ALSO: Ask an Expert: Electric Vehicles and the Future of the Automotive Market

The Evolution of EV Batteries

Before diving into the juicy details, it’s always helpful to cover the basics. Batteries are made up of 3 main components. The anode, or negative electrodes, the cathode, or positive electrodes and some type of electrolyte through which the electrodes travel to release chemical energy.

A simple battery can be made out of a potato, copper penny and galvanized nail. (Source: Tested)

The first rechargeable battery, lead-acid battery, was invented in 1859 by a physicist named Gaston Plante. Lead dioxide was the cathode material used, and lead was the anode material with a liquid solution of sulphuric acid and water as the electrolyte. The materials were affordable and the battery was applied to many early models of EVs, including early models of the Tesla Model S.

Another widely used battery that came after the lead-acid battery is the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery developed at the Battelle-Geneva Research Center in 1967. Nickel hydroxide was used as the cathode material while a hydrogen-absorbing alloy was used as the anode material. A liquid solution served as electrolytes. The research for NiMH batteries was extensive, and funded jointly by Daimler-Benz and Volkswagen AG. The batteries were also applied to many EV models such as the Toyota Prius, prior to 2015.

The Advent of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The introduction of lithium-ion batteries was a game-changer. Sony first introduced them in 1991, and today, most EVs have them, including the Tesla Model 3. The batteries consist of lithium-cobalt oxide cathodes, graphite anodes and the electrolyte is usually a solution of lithium salt and an organic solvent, though some automakers are experimenting with solid-state electrolytes.

The Tesla Model 3 has a lithium-ion battery. (Source: Green Car Reports)

Compared to its predecessors, lithium-ion batteries have the highest amount of stored energy and specific power, which is kind of like horsepower for electric cars. As a result of improved technology and lower costs, lithium-ion batteries are projected to make up 70 percent of the total rechargeable battery market by 2025, which will be worth roughly USD 112 billion.

Good as Gold

It is estimated that every 1 percent increase of EVs in the auto market will result in an additional 70,000 tons of lithium demand LCE per year.

In 2016, Australia topped the list for the most lithium produced with 14,300 metric tons. China and Zimbabwe are also top contenders producing 2000 and 900 metric tons in 2016, respectively. Then, there are the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, also referred to as the “lithium triangle,” and home to 75 percent of the world’s lithium supply.

Workers at a brine pool at the Rockwood Lithium Plant on the Atacama salt flat. (Source: Reuters)

Does that mean the world has enough lithium to fuel the cars of tomorrow? The answer is yes, but there aren’t enough mines to produce them. In order to prevent environmental damage and the exploitation of unprotected workers, lithium producers have to get smart about lithium mining and production.

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POSCO’s Lithium Production  

Starting in 2010, POSCO and the Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology (RIST) teamed up to develop a chemically based lithium extraction technology. The innovation cut down extraction time from up to 18 months down to between 8 hours and 1 month, delivering a purity rate of 99.9 percent. The recovery rate of lithium also increased to over 80 percent. POSCO is the world’s first corporation to commercialize the technology.

SEE ALSO: Lithium Rocks: POSCO at Forefront of a Green Energy Future

POSCO CEO Kwon Ohjoon holds lithium on his visit to PosLX, POSCO’s battery production factory in Korea.

It’s also at the heart of the lithium triangle. POSCO currently operates facilities in Chile’s Maricunga Salt Lake, Argentina’s Cauchari Salt Lake and Argentina’s Pozuelos Salt Lake, which alone will boost POSCO’s annual lithium production to 2,500 tons. POSCO also opened its first battery production plant in Korea earlier this year.  

The future of EVs is promising thanks to advancements being made in electric batteries, and there’s a lot at stake for the health and well being of future generations. Increasingly, the availability and costs of EV battery materials will play a vital role in market outcomes and widespread EV adoption. It is vital for companies like POSCO to provide abundant, sustainable and cost-friendly EV battery materials so automakers can continue to enhance the batteries of tomorrow’s cars.

Cover photo courtesy of Quartz.

Several factors are contributing to the growing interest in electric vehicles. Stricter CO2 emission standards are changing the way cars are being made, and consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious at the same time. To produce more fuel efficient vehicles, car makers are looking to advanced materials in lightweighting that can help make vehicles more eco-friendly while being safe and affordable.

The Push to Reduce Carbon Emissions

In the US, the transportation sector produces nearly 30 percent of all global warming emissions, and more than half of those emissions come from passenger vehicles. Between 1990 and 2004, the average fuel economy of new vehicles actually decreased, but since 2005 those numbers have begun to improve, resulting in less greenhouse emissions (see chart below).

Greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector remain high but have gone down in recent years. Increased efforts by the auto industry to produce more fuel-efficient cars is helping this trend. (Source: EPA Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2014)

As air pollution gets worse and global temperatures continue to rise, governments, consumers, and car manufacturers have all seen the urgency in creating more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, in order to build electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and even more fuel efficient combustion engine autos, new materials and production methods must be used. Specifically, cars need to be lighter.

Reducing Weight, Reducing CO2 Emissions

The heavier a car is, the more fuel is required to move it. A study from MIT found that for each 100-kg reduction in a car’s body weight, fuel consumption could decrease by about 0.3 L/100 km for cars and about 0.4 L/100 km for light trucks. This not only translates into fewer CO2 emissions but also into cost savings for consumers. The following table provides estimated fuel cost savings for a range of weight reductions. Today’s cars and light trucks weigh between 1,000 to 3,800 kg.

Manufacturers have been testing new materials to use in their cars in order to make the weight reductions necessary for a viable EV. Utilization of alternative materials like aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber components are increasing due to their lightweight properties. However, additional financial and environmental costs remain high.

In the past, in order to make steel lighter, sacrifices had to be made in strength and ductility. However, recent innovations in advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) have been able to bridge that gap. To demonstrate the recent advancements made with AHSS, engineers designed the PBC-EV, or POSCO Body Concept-Electric Vehicle, using POSCO GIGA STEEL. The PBC-EV car body was able to achieve a 26.4% reduction in total weight when compared to cars of the same size without any sacrifices in safety or structural integrity. 

The Eco-friendly Life Cycle of AHSS

When measuring greenhouse emissions of cars, one must also look beyond the immediate impact of gasoline consumption and view the material more holistically through a life cycle assessment. The emissions costs related to the extraction and production of automobile materials can be high. However, technological advancements in steel production have been able to reduce CO2 emissions – helping to make it one of the most eco-friendly materials for car makers.

Based on its life cycle assessment, measuring carbon dioxide emissions from production to recycling, POSCO GIGA STEEL performs remarkably well as an eco-friendly material. Steel emits 2.0 to 2.5 kg of carbon emissions when producing 1 kg of material while aluminum emits 11 to 12.6 kg when producing the same amount. Even after production, cumulative greenhouse gas emissions of vehicles made with steel is 10% lower when looking at the full life cycle.

Lastly, steel remains the most recycled materials on the planet, and automobiles maintain a recycling rate of nearly 100 percent. Almost all steel products contain recycled steel as steel scrap is a necessary ingredient when producing new steel.

Advancements in AHSS have allowed the auto industry to move beyond the barriers that have held it back in the past. As consumers demand more fuel efficient driving options and as governments around the world impose more strict emissions standards, material advancements in steel will become more critical. It is the breakthroughs in steel technology like these that are helping to bring lightweight, fuel-efficient cars to market.

Throughout April and May, The Steel Wire is exploring trends in the auto industry and how POSCO’s innovations in automotive steel is leading the way toward lighter, stronger, and more affordable cars.

Take a look at three of the ways transportation is restructuring itself for faster, more sustainable travel. Some are closer to realization than others, but all of them are changing the way we think about movement. When realized, all of these ideas will have an impact far beyond what we can see now.

The Hyperloop – Fast & Frictionless

An Idea by Elon Musk

In 2013, Elon Musk came up with the idea for the Hyperloop as he grew frustrated with the high-speed rail being developed in California at that time. He called it “both one of the most expensive per mile and one of the slowest in the world.” Musk said, “It would be great to have an alternative to flying or driving, but obviously only if it is actually better than flying or driving.”

He imagined capsules, zooming by at speeds faster than any train or plane, that would allow him to get to San Francisco from LA in 35 minutes. The basic concept was that the capsules would float through partially evacuated steel tubes propelled by fans and electromagnets. Because there would be less friction from air and rails, there could be significant increases in speed and durability, while decreasing reliance on fuel at the same time.

Workers install Hyperloop’s stator blocks at our test and development site in North Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Hyperloop One)

Because Musk was so involved transforming the space industry with SpaceX, the auto industry with Tesla, and the energy industry with SolarCity, he did not seem to have much time for Hyperloop. So, he developed a 58-page outline of his ideas and left it to others to develop. And they have.

Hyperloop One Unveils Testing Site

To fulfill this improbable dream, a handful of startups have stepped in – one of them being California-based Hyperloop Technologies. They have been building a test site, called DevLoop, 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas in the Nevada desert that was unveiled last week to the public. According to their press release, DevLoop is a 500-meter full-scale Hyperloop test structure weighing over one million kilograms. The Hyperloop One tube measures 3.3 meters in diameter and they are expected to perform their first full test sometime in the first half of 2017.

Hyperloop unveiled its first test site, the DevLoop on March 7. Later this year, they will run their first test of the Hyperloop. (Photo courtesy of Hyperloop One)

In November, Hyperloop Tech signed an agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to evaluate building a Hyperloop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. When completed, a commute that once took several hours will take just 12 minutes.

All parties involved realize the costs are going to be high. Creating a new form of transportation infrastructure is not simple and building large steel semi-vacuum tubes over ground (or under) is technologically difficult requiring trained engineers and highly skilled workers. To offset this, Hyperloop Tech is focusing some of its energy in attracting industrial freight clients.

The Future of Freight

One of Hyperloop Tech’s Transportation Economists, Dapeng Zhang, recently presented on transformational freight explaining that their “vision at Hyperloop One is to connect cities into mega-regions, and turn metro areas into metro stops. This will inevitably improve the efficiency of freight supply chains. By connecting two distant metros, Hyperloop One creates a geographical cluster which could help reduce inventory costs, promote even more just-in-time strategies, and expand same-day delivery service areas.”

A Hyperloop steel tube awaits entry into the tube processing building, where they are painted and prepped for use. (Photo courtesy of Hyperloop One)

Whether or not this is completely feasible is still up for debate, but it is exciting to see the strides being made in this type of supersonic transportation technology. Other developments such as electric cars, autonomous vehicles, and SkyTran (below) will help us move short distances, but ideas like the Hyperloop are needed to connect the larger metropolitan areas.

SkyTran – Personal Rapid Transit

Apart from the Hyperloop and autonomous driving technology, other personal mobility developments are being made. One of those is SkyTran, a company working to develop a personal rapid transit system that carries people in autonomous pods. Located near Mountain View, California, SkyTran has focused its efforts on relieving congestion in cities by creating a system that rides on an elevated monorail. It is both quick and efficient, and unlike the Hyperloop, it is nearing completion with plans to open in Israel, Nigeria, and France.

This concept image shows a drop-off point for one of SkyTran’s capsules. (Photo courtesy of SkyTran)

Using what is called maglev technology (magnetic levitation), the SkyTran uses electromagnets (similar in concept to the Hyperloop) to propel itself forward (up to 155 mph) while using little to no electricity. SkyTran says that when the pod reaches 10 mph, it can continue to glide and accelerate without any extra power. SkyTran’s CEO says the pods can on the same amount of electricity as two hair dryers.

SkyTran capsules are elevated above the city streets avoiding traffic and giving them the freedom to move at high speeds. (Photo courtesy of SkyTran)

In addition to being highly efficient to operate, SkyTran benefits in its low upfront costs. Unlike the Hyperloop, which requires rather large infrastructure and maintenance costs to ensure proper functionality of the pipe’s vacuum and propulsion system, SkyTran is projected to be a much more economic option. Because the system is set up above the streets, its footprint is small – requiring only an 18-inch steel pole to hold the steel and aluminum capsules.

The company estimates that it will only cost about USD 13 million per mile to build, compared to a subway system that can cost around USD 160 million for the same distance. Because of the low upfront costs, SkyTran believes that malls, hotels, and other private businesses will want to build their own offshoot lines – not only for their customers but because it will be profitable.

POSCO’s Advanced Auto Steel in Future Cars

Autonomous, connected, electric. These are the common buzzwords that come to mind when we think about future trends in personal transportation. At CES earlier this year, seemingly everyone had their own solution to made driving cars more connected and safer, and with less human involvement.

Nissan and BMW unveiled plans to use Microsoft’s personal assistant technology, Cortana, with their cars. Honda became the first major manufacturer to develop an electric concept car specifically designed for ride-sharing. And as for self-driving cars – Nissan announced it would bring autonomous driving support to its Leaf electric car, Hyundai introduced one that would be affordable enough for the masses, and Audi announced a partnership with Nvidia to bring self-driving cars to market by 2020.

At the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), POSCO showcased its advanced automotive steel products that are both strong and lightweight, making them uniquely suited for the electric cars of the future.

The weight of POSCO’s advanced auto steel is about 26.4 percent lighter compared to that used in most mid-sized vehicles. But despite being lighter, it received the highest level possible ratings from Europe and North America’s automobile collision evaluation Institute, Euro NCAP and IIHS.

In addition, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which measures the amount of CO2 discharged throughout the entire life cycle from material production to recycling, showed that emissions from the internal combustion engine body were 50 percent lower. Electric car emissions were also decreased by about 9 percent.

POSCO’s advanced auto steel is uniquely developed to be lighter and stronger for the cars of the future

The displayed products included the new PosM Steel and hot press forming steel (HPF). PosM Steel is a “dream material” for car manufacturers because it is five times stronger than other steel in terms of machinability while also having an impact absorption of up to 100 kg per mm². While many steelmakers have been developing PosM Steel type steel, it has never been produced on a commercial scale before. In addition, POSCO’s HPF steel is stronger than many other steel alloys making it a good solution for manufacturers looking to improve car safety.

POSCO currently supplies advanced auto steel sheets to car and component manufacturers, including Toyota, Volkswagen, and GM. POSCO has 10 automobile production plants and 24 machining centers around the globe. In addition to providing its World Premium Products, POSCO also provides Solution Marketing services that offer customized technologies developed in-house (such as welding and molding) that are customized to fit a customer’s unique needs depending on the product and manufacturing process.

Innovations in the transportation industry require big ideas, big investments, and new technological advancements. Right now, all of these seem to be coming together for what is expected to be some big changes. If the investors at Hyperloop and SkyTran have their way, pretty soon we will be able to travel across Europe on a Hyperloop, transfer to a SkyTran, and arrive in our hotel in less than an hour.

*Cover photo courtesy of Hyperloop One.

GM plans to launch its plug-in hybrid car (PHEV) “Bolt” during the second half of this year. PHEV is a hybrid car that runs on an electric motor, which can be recharged by plugging it into an electrical power source. It switches to run on the combustion engine when the batteries are depleted.

POSCO ICT plans to build EV-charging stations at 120 key locations as the business partner of GM Korea and will also implement a related membership program.

As POSCO ICT has been selected as the producer of EV chargers for GM Korea, it plans to provide charging services with public charging stations at 120 key locations. Locations will include after-sales centers, GM sales stores, and big marts.

On top of public stations, it is building home charging stations for drivers of GM’s EV and is also implementing a membership program. Through this program, drivers can use the existing charging stations available at big marts, cinemas, and department stores across the country in addition to newly built stations.

 Expansion of the facility to 300 stations to become largest privately-owned infra

Apart from the 120 stations to be built under the deal with GM, POSCO ICT will increase the number of its own stations from 250 to 300 by the end of the year, making it the owner of the largest privately-owned EV charging infra.

It will build and run the infra by targeting the facilities that drivers visit often and spend time at. Drivers will be able to charge their car by driving only 4 to 5 km each time.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recently announced that it would build high-speed charging stations, one within each 2-km radius, at key locations such as petrol stations, large supermarkets and parking lots in Seoul and Jeju by the end of this year. A total of 490 charging stations will be established. Since the Ministry will also build a total of 30,000 slow chargers at 4,000 apartment complexes across the country, the spread of electric vehicles in Korea is likely to be accelerated.

The interest in the electric vehicle is increasing due to climate environmental issues and the strive towards energy reduction. POSCO ICT will further expand its cooperation with electric car manufacturers in order to grow the charging infrastructure, no longer hindering the spread of electric vehicles within the country.

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Could the next generation of drivers have an iCar sitting in their driveway?

The future of the car market is heating up, with Apple recently rumored to be building its own electric car. The iPhone maker has hired 200 staff members to build its own kind of vehicle by 2020, according to Bloomberg.

If Apple does enter the market, it will also face another tech competitor, Google, which has been investing in creating a self-driving car since 2010. And beyond Silicon Valley, both of the tech companies will also have to compete with Tesla Motors and luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

With everyone in the mix, the car of the future can be anyone’s guess.

POSCO’s research team predicts the lightweight steel will make its way into the car of the future. The research team developed new steel materials that can significantly improve gas mileage of automobiles by reducing their weight by 15 percent. Car manufacturers are currently experimenting with lightweight steel to increase fuel mileage and reduce emissions. The new steel will not only enhance passenger safety but will provide remarkable strength.

With burgeoning trends making their way into the cars of today, we can gather that a few standout features will come standard in the years ahead. Here is a list of the top six companies revolutionizing the car market of today.

Luxury meets tech: Mercedes-Benz F 015 concept car

Source: Forbes

While Mercedes-Benz’s F015 is only a research experiment of what cars in the future might look and drive like, the results are truly stunning. With a sleek exterior that beautifully reflects its environment, the self-driving car has a great balance of luxury and convenience.

According to Car and Driver magazine, the body of the car used aluminum, high-strength steel and other composite materials.

Car manufacturers have been seeking to lighten car bodies through increased use of lightweight alloys such as aluminum, rather than steel, which has a high density. However, reducing density through an increase in aluminum content within steel leads to the creation of intermetallic compounds, which has the disadvantage of making the steel rather easy to break.

POSCO’s new materials provide 50 percent enhanced strength with features that are light and soft. This means they are not easy to break when transforming compared to other low-density materials which have been studied in the past.

The use of lightweight steel also opens up opportunities for manufacturers to incorporate more tech into cars to make them an immersive living experience.

Form follows function: Google’s self-driving car

Source: Google Self-Driving Car Project

On an entirely different spectrum, Google has used functionality as a focal point for its new self-driving prototype. The pint-size car is a drastic turnaround from the gas guzzlers we’ve seen on the road. As personal cars reduce in size and shape, POSCO’s role will increasingly be affected. Smaller cars also need strength, but they can’t be heavy.

Luckily, the steelmaker’s new materials will be a great fit for the new Google car. With a production cost that is one-tenth compared to titanium and a reduction of auto weight by 15 percent, POSCO’s new steel is both cost-effective and light — and still provides excellent strength.

But while the tech company has been testing the car on the roads of California, it won’t be available for commercial use until 2020.

The autonomous car uses years of Google’s Maps technology to drive passengers comfortably and safely around town. It features two seats with plenty of leg space in the front and has a “stop” button. The car itself can only go 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour), but Google plans to increase that speed in the future — maybe even going up to 100 miles per hour. 

Apple’s “Titan” project

Source: Concept iCar design by Franco Grassi

Could we be looking at the new Apple car? It might be too soon to say, but what we do know is that the iPhone maker has launched a project with some 200 employees who have previously worked for hybrid and electric car companies.

Many news organizations and experts have pointed out that Apple might not be ready to go from manufacturing gadgets to producing full-blown vehicles.

Yet if the car does go on the market, it will definitely need steel. As Investopedia pointed out in its article in May last year, “cars will always need steel, glass, an interior, a drivetrain and some form of human interface.” This bodes well for POSCO, whose lightweight, high-strength steel will always be in demand.

But it’s not as though Apple hasn’t entered the game with smartcar tech already. Just like Google, Apple plans to have its smartphones integrate with car consoles using its CarPlay platform. Passengers will be able to use the iOS system right in their in-dash touchscreens.

Practical and all electric: Nissan Leaf

Source: Wikipedia

Unlike all of the rumored vehicles and concept cars, Nissan has already released an electric vehicle that has been sold to about 40,000 buyers. It is entirely electric and is supported by a lithium-ion battery.

As part of its eco-concept design, the Nissan Leaf used recycled steel for its body. As we know already, steel has incredible recycle potential. The same steel can be used about nine times throughout the material’s life cycle. The Nissan Leaf is a great example of how steel fits into the new eco-friendly era.

Also, when drivers slow down, they’re actually helping to regenerate power. The car’s regenerative braking system helps store that power in the battery

Powerful and eco-friendly: Tesla Model S

Source: Uncrate

Car manufacturer Tesla has been at the forefront of the changing car landscape since the beginning.

The combination of luxury and eco-friendly almost seemed like oil and water before Tesla developed its lineup. And it keeps getting better. For example, the Model S P85D surpasses expectations that electric vehicles are shy, slow-moving creatures. The car goes zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, rivaling the Porsche 911 Turbo.

The Tesla Model S uses sheets of aluminum to reduce weight. Another alternative to reduce that weight is to use low-density steel, which also provides strength thanks to its use of intermetallic compounds.

High-end and supercharged: Audi R8 e-tron

Source: Wikipedia

Audi’s R8 e-tron electric car is truly mesmerizing. The all-electric had a profound effect when it was unveiled this month at the Geneva Auto Show, Europe’s biggest auto event. Audi is traditionally known as a luxury brand, and its jump into the electric market certainly raised some eyebrows.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the R8 is made of lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber. In fact, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics are traditionally used in sports cars, which is one of the reasons why they’re so fast.

The fact that the Audi is entering the electric car market offers the possibility that luxury cars will also be electric in the future. And with the introduction of electric cars, weight will also need to be reduced — another reason why POSCO’s new steel can help automakers achieve their weight goals.

Today, POSCO global blog will try to explain the basics of electric vehicles.

Pictured here: POSCO exhibit set up at The 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo held in Jeju

What is an Electric Vehicle?

An electric car is basically an automobile that is powered by electricity. It is powered by an electric motor that runs on a rechargeable battery as opposed to a gasoline engine. Electric vehicles has gained widespread recognition predominantly because it is the environmentally-friendly alternative to gas guzzling automobiles.

Why should you care about Electric Vehicles?

Pictured here: EV on display that promotes ‘zero emissions’

 You might have heard the word ‘electric car’ lately, but might not understand what the direct benefits are. The major reasons that electric cars is top-of-mind for the auto industry and society as whole are for the following reasons:

1)      Less pollution: Electric cars are an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline powered cars as they create less pollution

2)      Cost effective in the long-run: Electric cars run on electricity so you can save up on annual car fuel costs and expensive maintenance related to oil changes, fuel filters, etc.

3)      Reduces fuel dependency: Electric vehicles can be powered by electricity produced from multiple energy sources including wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, biofuel, and fossil fuel sources. Therefore, electric vehicles have the potential to support economies while also reducing dependence on imported oil.

4)      Better Sound Quality: Electric cars may be difficult to differentiate from regular cars from the outside, but electric motors provide quiet and very smooth operation.

Challenges for Electric Vehicles

That is not to say that electric vehicles face no challenges. Driving range is a concern for consumers as gasoline vehicles can go longer distances. Recharge time and overall bulk are concerns also. Companies, including POSCO, are continuously investing time and energy to improve technologies and materials for electric vehicles.

Pictured here: Entrance to 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju

During March 15 through 21, the 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo was held in Jeju Island, south of the Korean peninsula. More than 40 companies attended the event and consumers were able to see firsthand electric cars including Kia’s Ray EV, Reno Samsung SM3 Z.E., Chevrolet Spark EV, Kia Soul EV and BMW i3. Nearly 50,000 visitors came to the expo where POSCO Group showcased its innovative electric car technology.

Pictured here: POSCO exhibit at 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju

Of the participating companies, POSCO was the only company to offer a total solution that addresses materials, rechargeable infra and service. POSCO was the first steelmaking company to develop a body for an electric vehicle concept, solidifying its position at the forefront of electric vehicles.

POSCO Group’s <Total Solution>

Pictured here: POSCO executives gathered at the Expo in Jeju

POSCO Group companies including POSCO ICT, POSCO ChemTech, POSCO TMC and POSCO ESM were all present for the expo. As the first steelmaker to create the concept body for electric vehicles, POSCO proved that its steel solutions continue to provide value for the future of electric vehicles. The exhibit was divided into three parts consisting of rechargeable infra needed by electric vehicles, service and materials.

POSCO ICT’s electric vehicle rechargeable infra solution can be applied to all types of vehicles. Moreover, users are able to recharge without having to carry an external cable.

Pictured here: Chevrolet electric vehicle on exhibit being recharged

In addition, in order to improve the user experience, POSCO is offering a variety of convenient services. POSCO ICT has set up charging infrastructure around Jeju so travelers do not need to worry about lack of electricity. Beginning this June, POSCO ICT will form a partnership with E-Mart·BMW to offer easier charging services anytime, anywhere. POSCO ICT will also be forming a partnership with Seoul car sharing services to provide rechargeable infra.

POSCO also highlighted its commitment towards Nd magnets. Nd magnet, which is made of a rare earth metal, is an integral part of electric vehicle motors. They are currently imported from Japan and China. The Nd magnets that POSCO supplies can be applied to domestic electric vehicles and can reduce the dependency on imports.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Future Electric Vehicles

Pictured here: Compact-sized electric vehicle

Compared to internal combustion engines, electric vehicles are still trailing behind in terms of mileage and battery weight. Therefore a variety of new technologies are being applied for lightweight car bodies. For this reason, new materials beyond the previous aluminum and steel are being introduced into the development of electric vehicles.

POSCO is the first steelmaker to develop steel that is optimized for electric vehicle bodies. PBC-EV (POSCO Body Concept-Electric Vehicle) is the car body that was developed to showcase the state-of-the-art technology POSCO has recently developed for future electric vehicles.

PBC-EV has set the standard for EV steel solutions. It is made from cutting-edge steel and the latest components technology for an integrated solution that has reduced weight of 26.4% compared to previous car bodies.

Pictured here: Regular-sized electric vehicle made by Renault Samsung Motors

The Future of Electric Vehicles

As companies continue to improve and build upon existing electric vehicle technologies, the growing prominence of electric vehicles is highly probable. As an environmentally-conscious company, POSCO hopes to see more growth in this field. Would you buy an electric vehicle?