Lyten Ship First Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cells A-samples

Lyten, a California-based lithium-sulfur battery developer, has begun shipping its first A-sample 6.5 Ah pouch cells to automotive giants like Stellantis, as well as other car manufacturers in the US and EU. The company has also started producing these batteries in both pouch and cylindrical formats, with plans to expand deliveries to include cylindrical cells for customer evaluation later this year. These initial shipments mark a significant milestone for Lyten, which has also shipped samples to a major US consumer electronics company and plans to supply the US Department of Defense in May. Additional shipments to over 20 potential commercial customers are scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2024.

Lyten is ramping up its production capabilities with an automated pilot line in San Jose, California, which utilizes standard lithium-ion equipment and processes. This facility is currently preparing to produce B-samples for automotive OEMs and commercial cells for smaller volume non-EV customers. Plans are also underway for a giga-scale facility to produce C-samples for the automotive industry and beyond.

The company’s lithium-sulfur technology promises a significant advancement over current battery solutions, boasting twice the energy density of current NMC batteries at competitive costs. This is achieved using a sulfur-based cathode and a lithium-metal composite anode, eliminating the need for critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, thus reducing the carbon footprint by over 65%. This technology leverages locally sourced materials, enhancing the sustainability and scalability of the supply chain in the US and EU.

Founded in 2015, Lyten has raised over $410 million in equity funding from significant investors, including Stellantis and FedEx. The company’s innovative batteries were recently showcased in Chrysler’s Halcyon concept vehicle, further demonstrating their potential impact on the market. Lyten’s advancements represent a leap forward in battery technology, aiming to meet the growing demands for higher energy density, lighter weight, and lower cost batteries essential for mass market electrification and achieving net zero goals.