Lyten Reveals Plans to Construct the World’s First Lithium-Sulfur Battery Gigafactory in Nevada

Lyten, a leader in supermaterial applications and Lithium-Sulfur battery technology, has announced a groundbreaking plan to invest over $1 billion in the establishment of the world's first Lithium-Sulfur battery gigafactory, set to be built near Reno, Nevada. This state-of-the-art facility will have an impressive production capacity of up to 10 GWh of batteries annually when fully operational. Phase 1 of the factory is expected to commence operations by 2027.

The Reno gigafactory will specialize in manufacturing cathode active materials (CAM) and lithium metal anodes, along with the complete assembly of lithium-sulfur battery cells in both cylindrical and pouch formats. Since May 2023, Lyten has been producing CAM and lithium metal anodes and assembling batteries at its semi-automated pilot facility in San Jose, California.

Dan Cook, Co-Founder and CEO of Lyten, remarked on the significance of this announcement, stating, "Today marks another milestone in Lyten’s nine-year journey. Lithium-sulfur represents a significant advancement in battery technology, providing high energy density and lightweight batteries made from locally sourced, abundant materials, all manufactured in the U.S."

Celina Mikolajczak, Chief Battery Technology Officer, emphasized Nevada’s role as the ideal location for the gigafactory, noting the warm welcome from Reno and Washoe County leaders. She highlighted the need for a skilled, innovative workforce, a partnership that the region is ready to provide.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo underscored the state’s emergence as a key hub for U.S. battery manufacturing, stating that Lyten’s decision to build its gigafactory there highlights the strategic advantages Nevada offers to technology companies. He noted that the state's robust infrastructure and skilled workforce position it for sustained growth and job creation.

Lyten's Lithium-Sulfur cells offer remarkable energy density, making them up to 40% lighter than conventional lithium-ion batteries and 60% lighter than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The fully U.S.-manufactured cells use abundantly available local materials, eliminating reliance on mined minerals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. This focus on low-cost, local materials positions Lyten’s batteries as a more affordable alternative to lithium-ion at scale.

The gigafactory is set to cater to the burgeoning micromobility, space, drone, and defense markets, with production slated to begin in 2024 and 2025. Lyten has already cultivated a pipeline of potential customers, necessitating the new facility to meet rising demand.

The Nevada Congressional Delegation has been pivotal in supporting this initiative. Senator Jacky Rosen highlighted the potential for Nevada to lead in lithium battery technology, while Senator Catherine Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of boosting the domestic supply chain for economic, environmental, and national security benefits.

Located on a 125-acre campus within the Reno AirLogistics Park, the planned 1.25 million square foot facility will initially create 200 jobs, expanding to over 1,000 positions at full capacity, covering various roles from research to manufacturing. Lyten has partnered with Dermody Properties to secure the site.

In collaboration with local universities, including the University of Nevada-Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, Lyten aims to develop the necessary training programs for future talent. Plans are underway to break ground in early 2025, with the Nevada factory designed to comply with the Inflation Reduction Act and the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA), ensuring it will not be subject to Section 301 tariffs.