South 8 Technologies, developers of a novel liquefied gas (LiGas®) electrolyte for the next generation of safe and high-performing lithium-ion batteries, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to participate in its American Low-Carbon Living (EVs4ALL) program. The $3.125 million grant allows South 8 to develop high-power, rapid-charge Li-ion battery cells using its LiGas® electrolyte. These will be developed and evaluated over the next 3 years in collaboration with a global automotive manufacturer.
"The South 8 team is excited to be selected for the EVs4ALL program because its goal of making e-mobility solutions available to everyone aligns with own," said Cyrus Rustomji, CEO and co-founder of South 8 Technologies. "Our LiGas electrolyte reduces the cost of EV battery manufacturing and increases battery performance."
At a press conference today held at South 8's San Diego manufacturing facility, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, David Turk, said that the U.S. is going to need innovative solutions like South 8 Technologies' LiGas electrolyte along with the implementation by tier-one car manufacturers to meet the aggressive government goals for EVs on the road and air quality. He announced $42 million in funding for 12 projects, including South 8's.
South 8's "Liquefied Gas Electrolytes for Next-Gen EV Batteries" project is funded ARPA-E's EVs4ALL program which is designed to increase EV market share by developing next-generation batteries that are fast-charging, effective at low temperatures, and more durable.
South 8's LiGas electrolyte is a safer, non-toxic, non-corrosive, higher performance alternative to standard liquid electrolytes. The liquefied gas electrolyte improves safety, increases energy density, achieves all-weather performance, enables fast-charge capability and reduces costs while also being compatible with existing lithium-ion cell production or gigafactory manufacturing processes and supply chains. LiGas® makes lithium-ion batteries safer by removing the risk of thermal runaway, since the harmless liquefied gas can be safely vented.
