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South 8 releases cold weather tests of its lithium nickel manganese oxide electrolyte

March 06, 2024

Battery maker South 8 is working with ARPA-E on the EVs4ALL program to develop a cost-effective, reliable battery that charges quickly and offers enhanced performance and range retention in cold weather.

In these initial six months of the three-year project, South 8 has shown promising results with 18650 lithium-ion batteries. The LiGas electrolyte has proven to be fully compatible with a 4.6 volt commercial LNMO cathode. Energy retention at -20°C (-4°F) was recorded at 96%, compared to less than 5% retention for standard liquid LNMO electrolyte at the same temperature. Further testing of the LiGas electrolyte showed 87% energy retention at -40°C (-40°F).

South 8 is a San Diego-based company that addresses lithium-ion’s “fire and ice” problems with LiGas®, a patented liquefied gas electrolyte. LiGas reduces the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries and operates from -60 to 60°C, making clean battery power accessible to more applications, environments, and people. The company holds 24 patents across seven countries and jurisdictions. South 8’s investors include Anzu Partners, LG Technology Ventures, Shell Ventures, Foothill Ventures, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.