VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, has invested tens of millions of US dollars in ProLogium, the Taiwanese manufacturer, for developing solid-state batteries in Vietnam.

VinFast invests in Prologium for development of solid-state batteries. Photo: VinFast

The Vietnamese automaker also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ProLogium to set out strategic cooperation arrangements to secure next-generation solid-state battery supplies and support the goal of expanding its smart mobility solutions globally. 

Through this strategic arrangement, VinFast aims to secure the supply of batteries made with the world’s leading technology, enhance control over the quantity and type of its battery to meet the needs of each VinFast EV line and the market demand for high-tech, high-performance, safe, and environmentally friendly batteries.

The two companies will enter into commercial agreements to develop battery pack designs using Prologiums proprietary solid-state battery technology, adhering to strict specifications on the parameters, quality, and safety of VinFast. 

Under the strategic cooperation arrangements, ProLogium plans to provide solid-state battery cells to VinFast starting in 2024 to support its next generation line-up. ProLogium’s first major solid-state battery plant, which is slated to launch in early 2023, will devote a significant portion of the facility’s production capacity to supply VinFast. 

Solid-state batteries are among the most promising technologies to offer advantages in terms of safety, energy density, hyper fast-charging capability, recyclability, weight optimization, costs, and lifetime.

“VinFast has focused on investing and building strategic partnerships with leading companies in the industry and breakthrough technology companies to quickly grasp and apply technologies for smart and sustainable mobility solutions,” said Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vingroup Vice Chairwoman, and VinFast Global CEO. 

"ProLogium is one of our key partners, helping VinFast quickly master the supply of solid-state batteries while continuing to deliver EV products with advanced battery technology for a more enjoyable and safer driving experience," she added.  

In 2021, Vingroup invested more than VND4 trillion (US$170.6 million) to construct the VinES battery factory in Vung Ang, the central province of Ha Tinh, on eight ha of land that produces battery packs and battery cells for VinFast electric vehicles.

The company planned to build a manufacturing plant in the US’s North Carolina, with an initial investment of US$2 billion in Phase 1, which will become the manufacturing and production facility for electric cars and e-buses as well as housing other ancillary industries.