Summary
– Lyten is shipping lithium-sulfur A sample cells to Stellantis and other automotive OEMs for evaluation
– The company is also sending samples to a consumer electronics company and US military agencies
– The battery samples are produced on a semi-automated pilot line that can be switched to lithium-sulfur production
– Lyten manufactures lithium-sulfur cells in pouch and cylindrical formats, currently shipping the 6.5 Ah pouch cell for evaluation
– Lithium-sulfur battery technology offers twice the energy density of NMC batteries and a lower carbon footprint, aiming for practical mass-market use
Article
US-based chemical manufacturer Lyten is making strides in the development and production of lithium-sulfur battery technology. The company has begun shipping sample cells to various automotive OEMs, including its investor Stellantis, as well as to consumer electronics companies and US military agencies for evaluation. In an effort to reach more potential customers, Lyten aims to deliver samples to over 20 parties in the second and third quarters of this year. These samples are being produced on Lyten’s semi-automated pilot line in San Jose, California, which was established in May 2023 using standard lithium-ion equipment and practices, suggesting existing facilities can transition to lithium-sulfur production.
The battery samples being shipped by Lyten come in pouch and cylindrical formats, with the current focus on the 6.5 Ah pouch cell format that boasts a 3 C discharge rate at 25°C. The company plans to introduce cylindrical A samples for evaluation later in the year. Lithium-sulfur technology has the potential to offer double the energy density of nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, while remaining cost-competitive with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) alternatives. By eliminating the need for materials like nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite, Lyten anticipates a carbon footprint reduction of at least 65% compared to lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the supply chain for lithium-sulfur batteries can be fully sourced in the US or EU at scale.
Celina Mikolajczak, Chief Battery Technology Officer at Lyten, expressed the importance of developing a practical, mass-market battery solution in line with global electrification and net zero goals. She emphasized the need for higher energy density, lighter, and more affordable batteries that can be produced at a large scale using locally available materials. Lyten’s efforts in lithium-sulfur technology aim to meet these requirements and provide a viable solution for mass market adoption. The company is currently working on designing its first gigawatt-scale facility in collaboration with Turner Construction and SSOE to manufacture automotive C samples and beyond.
The progress made by Lyten in advancing lithium-sulfur battery technology holds promise for the future of energy storage solutions. With the potential to offer significantly higher energy density at reduced costs and environmental impact, lithium-sulfur batteries could play a key role in the transition to clean energy and electrification. By focusing on efficient production methods and partnerships with key industry players, Lyten demonstrates a commitment to driving innovation in the battery sector. As they continue to expand their reach and deliver samples to a growing number of customers, the impact of lithium-sulfur technology could be seen across a wide range of applications in automotive, consumer electronics, and military sectors.
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