Full-Time
Posted on 7/15/2025
Licenses LiGas for extreme Li-ion safety
$140k - $180k/yr
San Diego, CA, USA
In Person
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South 8 Technologies develops a Liquified Gas Electrolyte (LiGas) to improve safety and performance of Li-ion batteries in extreme environments. The LiGas electrolyte remains non-toxic and non-corrosive and becomes liquid under pressure, replacing traditional electrolytes to enhance ion transport while reducing fire risk. The company licenses this patented technology to battery manufacturers and industry partners, focusing on automotive, aerospace, and underwater exploration sectors to broaden safe, high-performance energy storage. Its goal is to enable reliable battery use in demanding conditions by providing a scalable licensing model that expands the operating range of Li-ion systems.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Late Stage VC
Total Funding
$39.8M
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2015
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South 8 Technologies (South 8), a California-based advanced battery company, today announced the execution of a funding agreement under the PowerForward Batt...
South 8 Technologies has executed a $9.2 million grant agreement under California's PowerForward Battery Manufacturing Grant Program to expand its San Diego headquarters. The funding will support scaling production of the company's liquefied gas electrolyte (LiGas) to 100 MWh annually and lithium-ion cell production to 2 MWh. South 8's LiGas technology enables batteries to operate across extreme temperatures (-60 to +60°C) whilst delivering enhanced safety, fast-charging capability and longer cycle life. The platform uses gases manufactured domestically in the United States, reducing foreign supply-chain risks. Battery cells produced will supply South 8's defence, aerospace and mobility customers, including global automotive manufacturers. PowerForward is California's $67 million programme designed to attract zero-emission vehicle battery manufacturing whilst creating high-quality jobs and supporting local communities.
South 8 Technologies has raised $11 million in a follow-on funding round co-led by W. L. Gore & Associates' venture arm and Lockheed Martin Ventures. Participants included Anzu Partners, IQT, LG Technology Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Foothill Ventures, Alumni Ventures and Galvion. The San Diego-based company develops LiGas, a liquefied gas electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries that operates from minus 60°C to plus 60°C. The technology enables charging in freezing conditions and includes a thermal fuse to reduce fire risk during battery abuse. The funding will expand manufacturing capacity to produce cylindrical cells for defence and aerospace applications, including soldier power systems, unmanned aerial systems and space platforms. South 8 has secured over $32 million in non-dilutive funding and has strategic partnerships with LG Energy Solution, Galvion and CTNS.
LG Energy Solution to enter aerospace battery sector in partnership with south8 technologies. LG Energy Solution * LG Energy Solution signs strategic development collaboration with a visionary U.S. startup South 8 Technologies to co-develop space-rated batteries capable of functioning at ultra-low temperatures as low as -60 °C * Companies to join forces with KULR Technology Group and NASA to secure extreme-environment battery technologies for next-generation space missions SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - LG Energy Solution today announced a strategic partnership with South 8 Technologies to jointly develop space-rated lithium-ion batteries optimized for extreme low temperatures. This agreement positions LG Energy Solution to participate in the development of next-generation battery technologies that can withstand harshest environments, establishing a foothold in the emerging aerospace sector. "The liquefied gas electrolyte technology fundamentally addresses the long-standing issues of battery performance degradation in extreme cold environments," said Je Young Kim, CTO of LG Energy Solution. "We anticipate that this technology will unlock unprecedented possibilities to pioneer new products and applications including the space." The two companies' cooperation is part of a larger aerospace initiative involving KULR Technology Group, Inc (NYSE American: KULR) and NASA to develop cold-temperature battery solutions for the next generation of deep space missions. KULR, a leading provider of cutting-edge energy storage solutions for aerospace and defense, recently secured a funding of $6.7 million from the Texas Space Commission to develop cold-temperature lithium-ion battery solutions for lunar and Martian exploration missions. The program is being carried out in close collaboration with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). LG Energy Solution is determined to play a key role in this joint effort, helping propel the development of next-generation aerospace battery technologies. Specifically, the company will support in the design, testing, and evaluation of lithium-ion battery cells. South 8 Technologies will then manufacture enhanced battery cells using its proprietary and innovative liquefied gas electrolyte and electrolyte filling technology. These cells, operating at temperatures as low as -60 °C, will be integrated into KULR's One Space battery architecture platform, providing optimal performance for extreme environments encountered during space missions. South 8 Technologies is a U.S. startup company that has developed the world's first liquefied gas (LiGas(R) electrolyte, a patented solution that enhances battery performance by enabling ultra-low temperature operation down to -60 °C, significantly outperforming conventional liquid electrolytes that struggle below -20°C. This technology was recognized as one of TIME magazine's 'Best Inventions of 2024.' Moreover, the liquefied gas electrolyte has the potential to drastically enhance battery safety under physical or electrical abuse conditions. When such shocks occur, the liquid solvent inside the battery will rapidly evaporate, reducing the cell temperature and expelling the evaporated electrolyte. This process effectively renders the cell a non-functional "dummy cell", significantly reducing risks such as thermal incidents. LG Energy Solution first connected with South 8 Technologies through its Startup Challenge Program in 2019 and has maintained active collaboration since. In 2024, the companies signed a joint development agreement and began the development of the liquefied gas electrolyte-based batteries. The latest agreement announced today further cements the cooperative relationship between the two companies. About LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 80,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
Porsche Ventures invests in Li-ion battery company South 8 Technologies.