South 8 scales production of cold-weather battery systems
San Diego-based battery manufacturer South 8 has kicked off volume manufacturing of its new semi-automated battery cell manufacturing line meant for cold temperatures, officials say.
Company officials expect the new manufacturing line to add 5 MWh of annual manufacturing capacity in terms of cylindrical cells. Beginning as early as 2027, the capacity upgrade aims to enhance the Californian firm’s market presence within defense and other specialty applications in extreme cold.
Specifically, the expansion supports production of South 8’s ARCTIC AE35 18650 cell, representatives say. The liquified gas electrolyte cell can enable reliable charge at temperatures as low as -76°F (−60°C).
“Customers need battery cells that perform in extreme environments while also reducing supply chain risk,” says Rusty Heffner, VP of strategy at South 8 Technologies. “South 8 is scaling production of the AE35 cell to address both needs. We provide the cold weather performance our customers require while building cells domestically with a supply chain that was selected to comply with the NDAA Section 842 rules.
“We enhance the capability of our customers’ products and give them confidence that they will have a reliable domestic source of battery cells that meets emerging DOW regulations.”
Scaling production through 2027
The manufacturing line will produce cells for several defense-based customers in the U.S., including Galvion and 3ME Technology.
The firm says both of these companies are currently working to commercialize liquefied gas battery cells. This strategy, backed by the execution of a $9.2 million PowerForward Battery Manufacturing Grant earlier this year, carves a clear path for South 8 as it scales battery production.
Alongside battery production buildout, the San Diegan company has established a number of supplier agreements for key battery cell materials and components. These agreements avoid existing FEOC restrictions, and both the battery cells and liquefied gas electrolytes will see manufacturing at South 8’s facility, keeping all production on American shores.
“These capabilities are increasingly important for defense and specialty cold weather applications, where both battery performance and supply chain security can be critical,” company officials state. “South 8 customers build packs and platforms for applications including unmanned systems, communications equipment, remote sensing, soldier power, and other equipment expected to operate reliably in extreme environments.”
