US battery developer Lyten has announced plans to invest more than one billion dollars in the construction of the worldʼs first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory. The facility will be built near Reno in the state of Nevada and will have an annual production capacity of up to ten gigawatt-hours at full capacity. The first phase is expected to be operational in 2027, with construction starting in 2025.
Sulfur batteries without critical raw materials
In addition to battery cells, the plant will also produce cathode materials and lithium metal anodes. Cells are planned to be produced in both cylindrical and pouch formats. According to the company, the lithium-sulfur batteries offer high energy density and are significantly lighter than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Critical battery raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and graphite are not used, which promises to make production more cost-effective and less resource-intensive. With all production taking place in the US, the cells will be compliant with the requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Use in micromobility, aerospace and drones
Lyten sees potential applications for its batteries primarily in the micromobility, aerospace, drone, and defense sectors. The company claims it has already attracted a large number of potential customers. The Nevada facility is intended to help meet the growing demand.
