Are looking for other great options of solid-state batteries (SSBs). Maryland-based ION Storage Systems is set to revolutionize the battery industry with a significant boost in the commercialization of its unique solid-state batteries (SSBs).
ION will receive $20 million from the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, through a three-year partnership under Energy’s ARPA-E SCALEUP program. The SCALEIP program aims to help ARPA-E Funded technologies transition from proof-of-concept prototypes to commercially scalable and deployable products, alongside $20 million in private funding. This $40 million initiative aims to transition ION’s technology from prototypes to commercially viable products.
As part of this effort, ION is collaborating with Saint-Gobain, a global leader in ceramics and materials, and KLA, a semiconductor process and quality control company. This partnership will facilitate the market introduction of ION’s innovative SSBs.
Accelerating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles requires increasing driving range, reducing costs, and improving safety. Ion Storage Systems – through an earlier ARPA-E program – focused on working toward these goals, and now, through SCALEUP, the company will accelerate domestic manufacturing of next-generation solid-state, high-power-density lithium-metal batteries based on ION’s proprietary ceramic electrolyte manufacturing technology
Dr. Evelya N. Wang, Arpa-E Director
Key Advancements in Solid-State Battery Technology
ION’s SSBs are distinguished by their anodeless and compressionless design, utilizing a proprietary 3-D ceramic structure. This developed design enhances safety and reduces the need for protective gear and cooling, which makes the batteries easier and cheaper to manufacture at scale.
In March 2024, ION’s SSBs exceeded 125 cycles with less than 5% capacity degradation in performance, showcasing their durability and paving the way for potential future deployments with over 1,000 cycles. These batteries have achieved the fast-charge goals set by ARPA-E and the US Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office at room temperature.
Ricky Hanna, CEO of ION Storage Systems, stated, “Since day one, our objective has been to craft an advanced solid-state battery that offers a more powerful, reliable, and safer battery manufactured at scale, and this achievement is a pivotal step toward that vision.”
The company’s Initial aim is to target the US military, working with the Department of Defense to further test and develop its SSBs. Plans are underway to expand into other markets, including electric vehicles (EVs) and long-duration energy storage solutions.
In September 2023, following a successful pilot program, ION secured a multi-year supply agreement for ceramic powder with Saint-Gobain Ceramics. This agreement positions ION to scale up production of its anodeless, compressionless SSBs.
