South 8 Secures $1.6M U.S. Army Contract for Extreme Climate Battery Prototype
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center has awarded a $1.6 million contract to a consortium led by South 8 Technologies to develop and demonstrate standardized lithium-ion battery packs tailored for defense applications. This initiative focuses on enhancing energy performance, safety, and reliability in extreme climate conditions. South 8 is collaborating with a leading battery cell manufacturer and a prominent battery pack vendor to deliver prototypes designed for a broad operating temperature range, particularly excelling in severe cold environments.
South 8’s Arctic™ LiGas 18650 cells form the foundation of this innovative effort. The standardized battery packs will integrate 24 of these cells, utilizing South 8’s proprietary liquefied gas electrolyte, LiGas®. This breakthrough technology improves energy efficiency, safety, and charging speed while reducing overall costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. LiGas enables unparalleled performance in extreme cold weather, making it ideal for military devices such as radios, communication systems, and night vision goggles deployed in challenging climates.
Rusty Heffner, Vice President of Strategy at South 8, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center. “We are grateful to have continued support from the U.S. Army to develop improved Li-ion battery systems that can power military devices during critical missions in cold climates. This prototyping effort brings us one step closer to qualifying LiGas battery cells in a standardized battery pack that will provide a unique capability to the U.S. military, especially units that are deployed in the Arctic.”
This new contract builds upon South 8’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army. Earlier this year, South 8 secured two other contracts through the Army’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) under the Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) program. The first contract, worth $6.4 million, focuses on the collaboration between South 8 and NanoGraf, a leading battery technology company, to develop higher energy, safer, and more efficient batteries. The project aims to create a high-rate injection system for LiGas electrolyte, advancing domestic production capabilities for lithium-ion batteries.
In a parallel initiative, South 8 and NanoGraf are working alongside Pale Blue Earth under another DIU contract to prototype the first Operational Single Cell for Accessory Readiness (OSCAR) batteries. These sustainable, rechargeable energy storage solutions are designed to alleviate the logistical challenges soldiers face in the field. By providing domestically-produced, long-lasting batteries, this effort seeks to significantly reduce the battery burden for military personnel.
South 8’s LiGas technology addresses some of the most critical challenges associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries. Known for solving lithium-ion’s “fire and ice” problems, LiGas is a patented liquefied gas electrolyte that dramatically improves battery safety and extends the operational temperature range. This enables clean and efficient battery power for a wide array of applications and environments. The technology not only ensures reliability in extreme climates but also reduces the risk of fire, a significant safety concern for lithium-ion batteries.
The impact of LiGas extends beyond military applications. With 39 patents granted across seven countries and jurisdictions, South 8 is driving innovation in energy storage, making clean, efficient, and safe battery power accessible to more people and industries. Headquartered in San Diego, the company continues to push the boundaries of battery technology, solving critical challenges for both commercial and defense sectors.
As the company advances in its prototyping efforts, the benefits of LiGas technology are poised to transform military energy solutions. By enabling high-performance energy storage in extreme environments, South 8’s innovations ensure that soldiers have reliable power for critical devices during missions in challenging climates.
About South 8 Technologies
South 8 Technologies specializes in solving the challenges of lithium-ion batteries with its patented LiGas® liquefied gas electrolyte. This revolutionary technology reduces fire risks and expands operating temperature ranges, enabling clean and reliable battery power for diverse applications. Based in San Diego, South 8 has established itself as a leader in battery innovation, with a portfolio of 39 patents across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
