Lyten to Invest Over $1 Billion in US Gigafactory for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lyten

California-based battery technology company Lyten has announced plans to build a $1 billion gigafactory in the United States, dedicated to the large-scale production of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries designed for electric vehicles (EVs). This significant investment signals a bold step toward advancing battery innovation and boosting domestic production capabilities within the United States.

Facility Details and Operational Timeline

The gigafactory, set to begin construction outside Reno, Nevada in early 2025, will span 1.25 million square feet. Lyten aims to manufacture cathode active materials (CAM) and lithium metal anodes on-site and assemble Li-S battery cells in both cylindrical and pouch formats. Phase one operations are slated for 2027, with full-scale production expected to reach a capacity of up to 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year. However, Lyten has not specified when this maximum output might be achieved.

Initially, Lyten will hire approximately 200 employees, with plans to expand its workforce to 1,000 as the gigafactory ramps up production.

Recent Developments and Competitive Edge

Earlier this year, Lyten began shipping its first Li-S batteries to Stellantis, a key investor, and other EV manufacturers from its pilot plant in San Jose, California. In addition, the company delivered its initial 6.5Ah pouch cells to a major consumer electronics firm, with plans to ship cylindrical cells throughout this year’s second and third quarters.

Lyten’s Li-S batteries are touted for their high energy density, surpassing traditional nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries while remaining cost-competitive with lithium-iron-phosphorous (LFP) batteries. This makes them an attractive option for automotive and consumer electronics sectors seeking efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Potential Impact on the US Battery Market

With this substantial investment, Lyten positions itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving battery market. The gigafactory not only bolsters the U.S. battery supply chain but also aims to reduce dependence on foreign battery components. By producing high-performance Li-S batteries domestically, Lyten supports the transition toward more sustainable and efficient electric vehicles.