Boston-based Pure Lithium is building a pilot plant for a new kind of lithium metal battery, one it claims could outperform today's lithium-ion cells, and, crucially, be built entirely without Chinese inputs.
The company has developed a lithium metal battery that chief executive Emilie Bodoin says will displace lithium-ion batteries. Pure Lithium has spent the last four years doing research and development on the technology, which could be used in electric vehicles, utility-scale energy storage, and other applications.
Who makes a solid-state battery?
Factorial Energy manufactures solid-state batteries that allow electric vehicles to drive 50 percent longer than conventional lithium-ion batteries, according to the company. The Woburn-based company launched from stealth last year and has raised $240 million, including a $200 million Series D in January.
Could a new lithium battery outperform today's lithium-ion cells?
Boston-based Pure Lithium is building a pilot plant for a new kind of lithium metal battery, one it claims could outperform today's lithium-ion cells, and, crucially, be built entirely without Chinese inputs.
Where are lithium-ion batteries made?
Currently, nearly all lithium-ion batteries in the world are manufactured in Asia. The Commonwealth will offer up to $9 million in matching financing to support the company's planned manufacturing operation in Auburn. Boston-Power selected the Auburn site based on proximity to its headquarters.
Pure Lithium Corp.'s move to build a pilot plant comes as President Trump's administration sets the stage for tariffs on imports of key battery components from China.
Will Massachusetts help Boston-power build a new energy storage facility?
Enabling energy storage to continue to flourish in Massachusetts, state officials are working closely with Boston-Power to pursue state and federal financial incentives that will help the company to fulfill its plans of building the Auburn facility.