Gridtential Energy nets $12M to fund advanced AGM battery tech

Gridtential Energy is getting ready to rapidly deploy its advanced AGM battery technology, Silicon Joule. This week it announced $12 million in financing led by 1955 Capital. It is also launching a series of groundbreaking AGM reference batteries produced on East Penn Manufacturing’s prototype line.

Gridtential created Silicon Joule as a revolutionary alternative to lithium-ion based on readily available lead-battery technology and solar materials. Silicon Joule replaces the metal grids in conventional lead batteries with specially processed silicon wafers and an innovative stacked-cell architecture to reduce weight, increase power performance and extend cycle life, achieving new levels of performance while maintaining lead’s significant cost advantages.

Silicon Joule batteries charge up to two times faster, last more than four times longer and weigh up to 30% less than conventional lead batteries. Plus they maintain the thermal stability and 99% recyclability of the conventional technology, creating a clear safety and sustainability advantage over lithium-ion.

Better yet, Silicon Joule batteries can be manufactured leveraging existing production equipment, so they’re ready today to meet the worldwide demand for safe and sustainable energy storage. Major manufacturers East Penn, Crown and Leoch are fully licensed to mass-produce Silicon Joule batteries, and nine more manufacturing partners — most international — are piloting the technology.  Several have already produced batteries off lines in their factories.

“Gridtential is addressing key challenges in the future of transportation and energy storage systems. High-performance, long-lasting batteries will power tomorrow’s mobility in dense urban areas, especially in developing economies,” said Andrew Chung, founder and managing partner at 1955 Capital. “We’re eager to introduce Silicon Joule to suppliers and other partners who can help Gridtential bring this vitally important technology to markets around the world.”

The latest funding will support a new production line of advanced lead reference batteries, including the world’s first factory-ready single-block 24V deep-cycle lead battery. Gridtential has raised $28M to date, requiring significantly less capital than other battery companies to reach commercial production.

Reference batteries

Silicon Joule reference batteries are designed for lab and field testing, allowing battery manufacturers and OEMs to experience the benefits of Gridtential’s patented AGM technology. Silicon Joule batteries enable manufacturers to move directly from prototype to mass production, with 90% of the required equipment already in use in their factories.

Silicon Joule’s performance, long life and flexibility make it well-suited to a wide range of energy-storage applications, from personal mobility to home energy storage to hybrid automotive:

• 24V deep-cycle (available now): electric sweepers, scooters, wheelchairs, riding lawn mowers, e-bikes
• 12V power (available Q2 2021): power-sports SLI, automotive start-stop and EV auxiliary
• 48V deep-cycle (available 2H 2021): golf carts, e-tuktuks, renewable energy storage, telecom, data center backup, micro-grid

48V power (available 2H 2021): mild-hybrid, EV auxiliary, ADAS, start-stop, infotainment and regenerative braking.