Translation: Lyten
Supermaterials trailblazer Lyten will invest more than $1 billion to build the world's first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory in Reno, Nevada.
The new plant will be able to produce up to 10 GWh of batteries every year when fully online. Phase 1 (pictured above) is set to go live in 2027.
The new gigafactory will produce both cathode and lithium metal anode active materials, and will assemble battery cells in cylindrical and pouch formats. Lyten is already working on this technology at his test facility in San Jose, California, which has been online since May 2023.
The Reno plant is part of Lyten's plan to support its entry into the micromobility, space, drone, and defense markets from 2024 and 2025. The company says it already has a strong pipeline of potential customers, and sees the new facility as a gigafactory. an important step to meet the growing demand.
Lyten's gigafactory will encompass 1.25 million square feet on a 125-acre campus in Reno AirLogistics Park. Initially, it will employ around 200 people, eventually expanding to more than 1,000 jobs. These positions will include the roles of researchers, engineers, technicians, and more. The company plans to launch in early 2025.
Lyten is also working closely with the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR), Truckee Meadows Community College, and Nevada Native American and Tribal members to develop the workforce pipeline. The goal is to create local employment opportunities and train skilled workers who can support the growing needs of the factory.
Community leaders are rightfully excited about the project. UNR President Brian Sandoval noted that Lyten's technology is playing an important role in the growth of the lithium economy in northern Nevada. Local officials and education leaders expressed their enthusiasm, highlighting the benefits to the community, workforce collaboration, and economic development.
In February 2024, Chrysler announced the inclusion of Lyten's lithium-sulfur batteries in its Halcyon EV concept. In May, Lyten sent lithium-sulphur batteries to Stellantis and other US and EU OEMs for testing. Lyten has received more than $425 million in investments from companies including Stellantis, and the US Department of Energy has given Lyten $4 million to accelerate development.
Lyten's CEO, Dan Cook, called the Nevada gigafactory a milestone for the company, describing lithium-sulphur as a “leap forward in battery technology.” Lithium-sulfur batteries are up to 40% lighter than lithium-ion batteries and use materials that are abundant in the US, unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on imported minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and graphite . However, they still have challenges to face, such as a shorter lifespan and less stability than lithium-ion batteries, before they go mainstream.
Read more: Stellantis is about to test lithium-sulphur batteries for the first time in production
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