ION Secures $40 Million in Funding to Commercialize Innovative Battery Solutions

ION Storage Systems, based in Beltsville, Maryland, has made significant strides in the commercialization of its unique solid-state batteries (SSBs).

The company recently announced the successful production of its first multi-layer ceramic solid-state battery cell on a semi-automated production line. This advancement marks a critical step from single-layer lab prototypes to scalable multi-layer options, as noted by CEO Jorge Diaz Schneider.

In a remarkable demonstration of capability, ION’s 40×40 mm single-layer cell achieved a 25-fold increase in battery capacity, surpassing 1,000 cycles.

ION Storage Systems Takes Major Leap in Solid-State Battery Production

Furthermore, the design eliminates the need for compression and volume change, capable of retaining performance through over 800 cycles—an industry first for a non-compression, anodeless design. This achievement is pivotal, as compression has historically posed challenges in solid-state battery development.

The company is also leveraging significant financial backing, securing $20 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E SCALEUP program, coupled with an additional $20 million in private funding.

This $40 million initiative will aid ION in collaborating with Saint-Gobain and KLA to bring its advanced battery technology to market, particularly targeting the consumer electronics, wearable tech, and military sectors initially, with future plans for the electric vehicle (EV) market.

ION’s solid-state batteries promise a safer and more robust alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. By employing a distinctive 3-D ceramic structure, these batteries reduce the need for protective gear and cooling systems, thus simplifying the manufacturing process while enhancing safety.

Ricky Hanna, ION’s CEO, reaffirmed the company’s mission to deliver powerful and reliable batteries at scale, emphasizing that their non-compression technology achieves fast-charge goals at room temperature.

As the battery market continues to evolve, experts speculate that ION’s innovations can greatly influence the transition towards safer, more efficient battery technologies across multiple industries.