Dyson, the renowned British home appliance company, is set to produce its own batteries, forging partnerships with South Korea’s battery industry, encompassing materials, parts, and equipment. Dyson’s plan includes manufacturing small pouch-type batteries, primarily for devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, at a facility in Singapore. Although the production capacity remains undisclosed, industry insiders estimate it to be around 1 GWh.
Established in 1991 in England, Dyson gained prominence for its innovative wireless vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and hair dryers. The company relocated its headquarters to Singapore in 2019 amidst the Brexit turmoil. In 2022, Dyson reported sales of £6.5 billion and an EBITDA of £1.5 billion, with its Korean subsidiary, Dyson Korea, posting KRW 552.7 billion in sales in 2021.
Historically, Dyson’s wireless appliances have relied on cylindrical batteries, later transitioning to the 2070 standard for improved output and faster charging. This shift towards in-house battery production could pose challenges for existing battery cell suppliers, such as Panasonic.
Approximately ten South Korean battery firms, responsible for battery material mixing, formation, and logistics, are anticipated to collaborate with Dyson. The company’s unique small pouch-type battery design is expected to offer increased energy density and stability in comparison to cylindrical batteries. Dyson’s battery is likely to be primarily employed in its hair dryer product line (Airwrap series), with the potential for design alterations in wireless vacuum cleaners. An industry expert indicated that the battery production process may prove to be arduous.
