This innovation will power tomorrow’s applications in the e-mobility, grid storage, and other growing markets.
Enables next-generation high energy materials and simplified battery integration.
Reduced economic risk from recalls and personnel injury.
World record -60 to +60 °C operation reduces engineering costs of thermal management.
Enables widespread adoption of recycling by improved safety and significant reduction in logistics costs.
Existing manufacturing & supply chain provides all necessary components at scale.
30% lower $/kWh reducing barrier to entry for key applications such as EV and ESS.
Unlike common battery electrolytes which are liquid at room temperature, or solid-state electrolytes under development, the team at South 8 Technologies is the first to develop and commercialize a novel, patented Liquefied Gas Electrolyte (LiGas®), for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices. These non-toxic electrolytes use solvents that are normally gaseous at standard pressure and room temperature but may be liquefied under a moderate pressure and used as an electrolyte within the cell.
In contrast to conventional liquid electrolytes which are a catalyst for thermal runaway, the non-toxic LiGas electrolytes may safely and quickly vent from a cell after physical or electrical abuse (ex. crush, high temperature, short circuit) allowing the cell to fail safely without thermal runaway reactions or thermal propagation to neighboring cells.
The intrinsically high chemical stability of the LiGas electrolytes allow the use of the highest energy materials available.
Due to their low freezing point and low viscosity, LiGas electrolytes exhibit exceptionally high conductivity at low temperatures and will continue to perform well at temperatures as low as -60 °C and below.
The LiGas chemistry has excellent compatibility with the majority of today’s most common materials and manufacturing techniques.
Whether you are operating in the coldest extremes or require the highest power cells possible, South 8 has a solution for your application.
Cyrus earned his PhD from UC San Diego for his original work on developing South 8’s Liquefied Gas Electrolyte technology. Prior to earning his PhD, he worked with Eaton, ZPower, and Space Micro on developing products ranging from electrochemical capacitors, batteries, and space electronics. He has successfully led fundraising activities and teams on multiple projects including several federal, state, and industry grants and contracts and is author of several issued and pending patents and scientific publications.
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Jungwoo earned her PhD from UC San Diego for her work on thin-film battery technology and pioneering battery characterization efforts. Prior to her PhD, she spent four years as an Optical Engineer at Panasonic where she developed high-end laser systems and processing techniques for manufacturers as well as a Research Engineer with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and managed development efforts on advanced solar cell technology. She has several scientific publications and patents.
Chief Commercial Officer
Hamid brings two decades of experience successfully launching new products, establishing new markets and increasing revenue across battery, clean energy, consulting, and start-up markets. He previously served in leadership positions at Romeo Power, Alexander Technologies, and GP Batteries and founded Vertical Power Integration. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Sweden’s Dalarna University and a dual master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration from San Diego State University.
Yves Saw brings 30 years of experience in R&D, software and battery systems to South 8. A full news release may be viewed here.
Amir Moftakhar brings decades of finance, energy, and technology expertise to South 8. A full news release may be viewed here.
The 22nd Annual Advanced Automotive Battery Conference explores the future of automotive battery technology including improved electrolyte technologies for lithium-ion batteries. A full news release may be viewed here.
Andrew Filler brings decades of legal, business, licensing and IP experience to South 8’s board. A full news release may be viewed here.
Expansion adds a pilot production line for South 8’s unique liquefied gas electrolyte, marketed as LiGas®, for lithium-ion battery manufacturers and end-users seeking safer, higher performance and lower-cost battery-making materials. A full news release may be viewed here.
Financing from LG Technology Ventures, Shell Ventures, TNSC, Anzu Partners, and Foothill Ventures will help increase market adoption of the company’s proven Liquefied Gas Electrolyte technology. A full news release may be viewed here.
South 8 Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of a new advisory board member – Mr. Hakan Kostepen (BSEE, MSEE, MSA and MIT Sloan Business School – Strategy & Innovation Executive Program Graduate). A full news release may be viewed here.
South 8 Technologies has been awarded a contract from the California Energy Commission (CEC) under the Bringing Rapid Innovation Development to Green Energy (BRIDGE) program. This award will support South 8’s continued product development of the LiGas electrolyte technology to bring safer and higher performing Li-ion cells to market.
After successful progress through a Phase II SBIR and closing of eligible matching investment, South 8 Technologies has been awarded a Phase IIB grant with the National Science Foundation. This grant will continue to support South 8’s efforts to bring the LiGas cells to market.
South 8 Technologies is excited to announce that we have closed strategic investment with Shell Ventures and Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp (TNSC)! We look forward to growing with both groups as we push our Liquefied Gas Electrolyte technology to advance a clean energy future. A full news release may be viewed here.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded South 8 Technologies a “Production Scale-Up for Clean Energy Technologies” grant. This grant will enable the development and build of a pilot line to demonstrate the manufacturability of our novel Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistries which will enable Low Rate Initial Production for customer sales. This follows a smaller CalSEED grant awarded in 2017 also administered by the CEC, highlighted in a recent News Release.
South 8 Technologies has been awarded 2nd place in the LG Chem Battery Challenge. Our team is humbled by the kind recognition of our potentially breakthrough battery technology and we look forward to further work with these global leaders in the industry. Congratulations to all the companies that have been selected as finalists. LG has also released a Press Release and Highlight Video covering the competition.
After successful completion of a Phase I SBIR, South 8 Technologies has been awarded a Phase II grant with the National Science Foundation. This grant, with support from UC San Diego, will provide funding to further develop the Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry and move closer to product commercialization.
South 8 Technologies is introduced into the Shell GameChanger program. Funding and mentorship from the program will help South 8 develop both the Liquefied Gas Electrolyte technology and business strategy.
Developing cutting edge technologies require a multidisciplinary and diverse team that encourages collaboration and creative thinking. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us in our pursuit to power a clean energy future.
