Local Korean media reports claim that Hyundai is on its way to develop and manufacture its own battery cells for electric vehicles. The current EVs from Hyundai, a list that include models such as the Ioniq, Sonata, and Kona, use batteries made by LG Chem and SK Innovation.

The development is not entirely surprising considering the company tends to keep everything in-house, including making their own engines and gearboxes. Beginning earlier this year, Hyundai has also been hiring researchers on battery development and production, on top of placing orders for battery research equipment. The first lines will be located in its research lab in Euiwang, Gyeonggi province.

Demand for battery cells for electric vehicles are in huge demand, with Porsche already feeling the pressure in getting a steady supply to equip their line-up of battery-powered vehicles. Some companies have invested heavily to ensure a steady supply of batteries, such as Toyota and Nissan which own their own battery-making units. BMW even operates its own production factory in China.