Delivering breakthrough battery technologies to advance a clean energy future.

The Liquefied Gas Electrolytes are a platform technology which will enable an entirely new class of batteries across a range of markets and applications.

This innovation will power tomorrow’s applications in the e-mobility, grid storage, and other growing markets.

Increased Energy

Enables next-generation high energy materials and simplified battery integration.

Improved Safety

Reduced economic risk from recalls and personnel injury.

All Weather Resillience

World record -60 to +60 °C operation reduces engineering costs of thermal management.

Recyclability

Enables widespread adoption of recycling by improved safety and significant reduction in logistics costs.

Manufacturing Compatibility

Existing manufacturing & supply chain provides all necessary components at scale.

Cost Savings

30% lower $/kWh reducing barrier to entry for key applications such as EV and ESS.

Technology

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.

Safety

No more fear of thermal runaway

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.

High Energy

More run-time for your critical applications

The intrinsically high chemical stability of the LiGas electrolytes allow the use of the highest energy materials available.

Ultra-Low Temperature Performance

Operation in the most extreme climates

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.

Manufacturability

Integrates well into today's Gigafactories

The LiGas chemistry has excellent compatibility with the majority of today’s most common materials and manufacturing techniques.

Markets

Whether you are operating in the coldest extremes or require the highest power cells possible, South 8 has a solution for your application.

Passenger Vehicles

  • Cars
  • Pickups
  • Urban Mobility
A typical four-door sedan car

Commercial Vehicles

  • Heavy Duty Trucks
  • Light Duty Trucks
  • Electric Buses
A delivery truck

Defense

  • Connected Battlefield
  • Unmanned Vehicles
  • Sub Zero Power
A military stile badge

Industrial

  • Emergency Systems
  • Sensors
  • Forklifts
An industrial factory

Energy

  • Power Backup
  • Peak Shaving
  • Grid Storage
A solar panel

Marine

  • Sea Monitoring
  • Electric Boats
  • Submarines
A large naval ship

Passenger Vehicles

  • Cars
  • Pickups
  • Urban Mobility
A typical four-door sedan car

Commercial Vehicles

  • Heavy Duty Trucks
  • Light Duty Trucks
  • Electric Buses
A delivery truck

Defense

  • Connected Battlefield
  • Unmanned Vehicles
  • Sub Zero Power
A military stile badge

Industrial

  • Emergency Systems
  • Sensors
  • Forklifts
An industrial factory

Energy

  • Power Backup
  • Peak Shaving
  • Grid Storage
A solar panel

Marine

  • Sea Monitoring
  • Electric Boats
  • Submarines
A large naval ship

Cyrus Rustomji

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

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.

Jungwoo Lee

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.

Hamid Saadi

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.

Leadership Team

A photo of Cyrus Rustomji
Cyrus Rustomji
Co-Founder & CEO
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A photo of Jungwoo Lee
Jungwoo Lee
Co-Founder & CTO
A blue dropdown arrow
A photo of Hamid Sayadi
Hamid Sayadi
CCO
A blue dropdown arrow

Board

Advisors

News

South 8 Technologies Welcomes Battery Energy Storage Systems Expert to its Advisory Board – January 2023

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.

U.S. Department of Energy Awards South 8 Technologies $3.152M EVs4ALL Grant – January 2023

  • South 8’s LiGas® electrolyte to be used to reduce the cost and increase the performance in high-power, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.
  • Battery cell requirements, testing and evaluation will be conducted over 36 months by a global automotive manufacturer.
  • Funding awarded through DOE ARPA-E’s EVs4ALL program. A full news release may be viewed here.

South 8 Technologies Adds Seasoned Financial Expert to its Advisory Board – December 2022

Amir Moftakhar brings decades of finance, energy, and technology expertise to South 8. A full news release may be viewed here.

South 8 Technologies CEO Speaks About Liquefied Gas Electrolytes to Advance Next-Generation EV Batteries at AABC – November 2022

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.

South 8 Technologies Welcomes Intellectual Property Expert to its Board of Directors – November 2022

Andrew Filler brings decades of legal, business, licensing and IP experience to South 8’s board. A full news release may be viewed here.

South 8 Technologies More than Triples its San Diego Battery Manufacturing and Office Space – November 2022

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.

South 8 Technologies Raises $12M to Commercialize Next Generation Electrolytes for High Performance Lithium-ion Batteries – December 2021

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.

Former Panasonic Executive Director joins South 8 Advisory Board – July 2021

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.

Selected for CEC BRIDGE 2020 Contract – April 2021

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.

Awarded NSF Phase IIB SBIR – March 2021

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.

Shell Ventures and Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp Investments – August 2020

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.

Selected for CEC Scale-Up Grant – June 2019

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.

2nd place in LG Chem Battery Challenge – April 2019

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.

Awarded NSF Phase II SBIR – September 2018

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.

Introduction to Shell GameChanger Program – June 2018

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.

Careers

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.

Proudly Funded By

South 8 Technologies Media Contact: Julie Wright, President, (W)right On Communications, C: (760) 419-4664 E: jwright@wrightoncomm.com