South 8 Technologies has begun volume production of extreme cold weather lithium-ion batteries at its San Diego facility following a $9.2 million PowerForward grant agreement. The company's new semi-automated manufacturing line is now operational, targeting 5 MWh of annual cylindrical cell production by 2027. The facility produces South 8's ARCTIC AE35 18650 cells, which use proprietary LiGas liquefied gas electrolyte enabling operation from −60 °C to +60 °C. Initial production serves defence customers including 3ME Technology and Galvion for cold weather applications. South 8 has established supplier agreements for key materials to build a supply chain avoiding foreign entities of concern. Both cells and electrolyte are manufactured domestically to support National Defence Authorisation Act sourcing requirements. The expansion supports applications including unmanned systems, communications equipment and soldier power systems requiring reliable performance in extreme environments.

South 8 Technologies (South 8), a California-based advanced battery company, today announced the execution of a funding agreement under the PowerForward Batt...