Lyten, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), has received a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The funding is intended to accelerate the commercial production of lithium-sulfur batteries, which is a significant step towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of EVs. These batteries are considered crucial for reducing the risks associated with the international supply chain and increasing the driving range of EVs.
By utilizing sulfur, an abundant and economical material, lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to offer more than twice the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries, without the need for critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, or graphite. This is particularly important in the context of the US national strategy, which aims to promote alternative energy sources and secure the supply chain, especially in light of the National Defense Authorization Act. This Act, with support from both political parties, prohibits the US Department of Defense from buying batteries from major Chinese manufacturers until October 2027, highlighting the urgent need for the development of batteries with alternative components, such as lithium-sulfur batteries.
Dan Cook, CEO and co-founder of Lyten, expressed optimism about the support from both the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. Cook emphasized the importance of breakthrough technologies like lithium-sulfur batteries in achieving energy security and supply chain independence for the USA. The DOE funding extends beyond Lyten and includes collaborations with Stanford University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Arcadium Lithium, indicating a comprehensive approach to the development of lithium-sulfur technology. Additionally, Lyten is participating in a DOE-funded project in collaboration with Purdue University, which aims to improve the modeling of lithium-sulfur cells. The innovative use of 3D graphene by Lyten in developing a sulfur-graphene composite cathode is a breakthrough that accelerates the commercial feasibility of lithium-sulfur batteries.
Lyten has already started a semi-automated pilot production line for lithium-sulfur batteries and plans to begin commercial deliveries of cells for non-EVs in 2024. Following a successful Series B funding round, which raised $200 million, the total investment in Lyten amounts to $410 million. These funds will be used to scale up the production of 3D graphene applications and lithium-sulfur batteries, with significant involvement from industrial giants such as Stellantis, FedEx, Honeywell, and Walbridge.
About Lyten: Established in 2015, Lyten is a leader in utilizing supermaterials, leveraging its patented 3D graphene technology to develop innovative solutions in the automotive, aerospace, defense, and other sectors. Committed to decarbonization and technological innovation, Lyten continues to work on the development of next-generation batteries and other groundbreaking applications. For more details, visit Lyten’s website.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the purpose of the grant received by Lyten, Inc.?
Lyten, Inc. has received a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Energy to accelerate the commercial production of lithium-sulfur batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
2. What are the advantages of lithium-sulfur batteries compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to offer more than twice the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries without the need for critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, or graphite. By utilizing sulfur, these batteries aim to improve the performance and sustainability of electric vehicles.
3. Why are lithium-sulfur batteries important for the US national strategy?
Lithium-sulfur batteries are important for the US national strategy because they promote alternative energy sources and secure the supply chain, especially in the context of the National Defense Authorization Act. This Act prohibits the US Department of Defense from purchasing batteries from major Chinese manufacturers until October 2027. Therefore, the development of batteries with alternative components, such as lithium-sulfur batteries, is urgently needed.
4. Who is Lyten collaborating with for the development of lithium-sulfur technology?
Lyten is collaborating with Stanford University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Arcadium Lithium to take a comprehensive approach to the development of lithium-sulfur technology. Additionally, the company is involved in a DOE-funded project with Purdue University, aiming to improve the modeling of lithium-sulfur cells.
5. When does Lyten plan to start commercial deliveries of lithium-sulfur cells?
Lyten plans to begin commercial deliveries of lithium-sulfur cells for non-EVs in 2024.
Definitions:
– Lithium-sulfur batteries: Batteries that utilize sulfur as one of the components, promising higher energy density and sustainability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
– Supply chain: The sequence of production and distribution processes that connect manufacturers, suppliers, and customers to deliver a product or service to the market.
– United States Department of Energy (DOE): The department of the US government responsible for energy policy and energy security.
– Nickel, cobalt, graphite: Critical minerals commonly used in traditional lithium-ion batteries.
– National Defense Authorization Act: An act that defines defense policy and funding for the US Department of Defense.
Suggested Related Links:
– Lyten’s website
The source of the article is from the blog crasel.tk