The US Startup Solving Lithium-ion’s 'Fire and ice' Problems - South 8’s CEO Tom Stepien

The bitter cold, scorching heat, underwater and even space. These are some of the challenging environments that South 8 Technologies' electrolytes for advanced lithium-ion batteries are designed to work in. South 8 was spun out of UC San Diego in 2016 when the founding team developed Liquefied Gas Electrolyte (LiGas).

The startup recently welcomed Porsche Ventures as its newest stragic investor.

"Our founders believe in a clean energy future that benefits everyone equally. A better electrolyte that decreases the cost and improves the performance of Li-ion batteries enables access to electric vehicles by a greater number of people," Tom Stepien, South 8’s CEO, tells Auto Futures.

The components of South 8’s LiGas are off-the-shelf, non-toxic industrial gases and salts. 

"These are blended together and injected into standard Li-ion cylindrical battery cells. LiGas is pressurized - about 250 psi at room temperature. Pressure assists the transfer of ions inside the tortuous path of standard anode and cathode jelly rolls. LiGas' high electrical conductivity and low viscosity add to the battery's improved power and energy performance," he explains.

Batteries that use LiGas instead of conventional liquid electrolyte have a lower $/kWh cost and improved energy retention at cold temperatures: LiGas also enables reduced fire risk. Upon a puncture it burns off immediately instead of up to 10 minutes for conventional liquid electrolyte.

South 8 has recently introduced its new 18650 battery cell which uses LiGas to minimise fire risk while delivering world-record cold weather performance.  Conventional liquid electrolyte freezes at -40C whereas LiGas continues to function,

In a press release, Stepien states: “Arctic LiGas cells solve these ‘fire and ice’ problems by minimizing thermal propagation with a non-toxic blend of gases that dissipate harmlessly when punctured or overheated. Arctic cells have the industry’s lowest operating temperature, providing energy down to –60°C (-76°F). We are excited to help our customers safely and efficiently operate in new environments and applications.”

Different sectors will be able to benefit from the technology.

"Sectors where cost, fire and temperature are a concern can benefit from LiGas. This includes electric vehicles, defense, industrial, stationary storage and aerospace sectors," he says.

Improving The Charging Experience

South 8 is rapidly scaling its electrolyte blending and injection capabilities to respond to customer demand.

It also recently announced the addition of Porsche Ventures, the venture capital arm of the sports car manufacturer, as a new investor.

"Porsche Ventures is an exceptional addition to South 8's investor syndicate that includes Anzu Partners, LG Technology Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, and Foothill Ventures," says Stepien.

"Dependence on foreign sources for critical components like batteries poses significant national security risks. A domestic supply chain reduces this vulnerability caused by geopolitical tensions," he adds.

Finally we asked him for what EV charging in the US will be like by the end of the decade.

"Ideally our 2030 charging experience will be the same or better as our current ICE fueling experience: rapid fill up at conveniently located, reliable chargers," he predicts.