Lyten Announces $1 Billion Investment in Lithium-Sulfur Battery Gigafactory in Nevada

Major Investment in Advanced Battery Production
Lyten, a company specializing in supermaterial applications and lithium–sulfur batteries, has unveiled plans for a significant investment exceeding $1 billion to establish a gigafactory in Nevada. This facility, strategically located near Reno, aims to achieve an impressive annual production capacity of up to 10GWh of batteries once fully operational, with the first phase set to launch in 2027.

Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Capabilities
The Nevada gigafactory will focus on producing cathode active materials (CAM), lithium metal anodes, and fully assembled lithium-sulfur battery cells in both cylindrical and pouch formats. Since May 2023, Lyten has been actively manufacturing CAM and lithium metal anodes at its semi-automated pilot facility in San Jose, California.

Innovative Battery Technology
Dan Cook, co-founder and CEO of Lyten, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “Today is the latest milestone in Lyten’s nine-year history. Lithium-sulfur represents a leap in battery technology, delivering high energy density and lightweight batteries made from abundantly available local materials and 100% US manufacturing.” Notably, Lyten’s lithium-sulfur battery cells are claimed to be up to 40% lighter than traditional lithium-ion batteries and 60% lighter than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

Sustainability and Cost Efficiency
Lyten’s commitment to using local materials eliminates the need for mined minerals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, significantly reducing the overall cost of lithium-sulfur batteries at scale. This approach not only enhances sustainability but also aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly technologies.

Target Markets and Employment Opportunities
The upcoming lithium-sulfur batteries are expected to penetrate various sectors, including micromobility, space, drones, and defense, starting in 2024 and 2025. With a robust pipeline of potential customers, the Nevada gigafactory is a critical component of Lyten’s strategy to meet this demand. The facility is set to cover 1.25 million square feet on a 125-acre campus in the Reno Air Logistics Park, initially employing around 200 people, with plans to expand to over 1,000 jobs at full capacity.

Strategic Development Partnership
Lyten has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dermody Properties to facilitate the development of the gigafactory on land owned by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. Since its establishment in 2015, Lyten has garnered over $425 million in investments from notable partners including Stellantis, FedEx, Walbridge, Honeywell, the European Investment Fund, and the Luxembourg Future Fund, positioning the company for significant growth in the battery technology sector.