NanoGraf Receives First Production Order for Its Silicon Anode Batteries, Strengthening U.S. Battery Supply Chain for Key Department of Defense Contractor
July 16 2024 - 9:00AM
NanoGraf, the battery material company enabling stronger, lighter,
longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, today announced it has
received its initial production order from leading global aerospace
and defense technology contractors to produce its batteries for the
U.S. military.
NanoGraf’s M38 18650 cells will primarily be used for tactical
hand-held radios, where NanoGraf’s proprietary silicon anode
technology will allow U.S. soldiers to continue using their devices
for up to 15% longer compared to what they use today. The
production order is a major step in support of the Department of
Defense’s ongoing initiatives to foster a more expansive, resilient
domestic battery supply chain.
“Producing clean energy technology here in Illinois isn’t just
imperative for military capability, it’s essential for our national
and economic security,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).
“NanoGraf has assumed a critical role in onshoring the battery
supply chain, and is helping us work toward the goal that America
will be at the forefront of battery innovation.”
The Department of Defense has made several direct investments to
help curb the military’s reliance on Chinese battery technology. In
January, NanoGraf announced a new contract with the U.S. Army worth
up to $15 million to develop cross-compatible batteries for
soldiers in the field, which brought NanoGraf’s total U.S.
Department of Defense funding to $45 million. This commitment to
purchase cells from NanoGraf spotlights how those investments are
benefiting the domestic supply chain.
“We’re excited to reach this important milestone, and to equip
soldiers with U.S.-produced batteries that can last as long as
their missions require,” said Francis Wang, CEO of NanoGraf. “This
production order is a meaningful step forward for the military, and
for NanoGraf as we continue to successfully scale our domestic
manufacturing.”
The production order is just one of several recent announcements
showcasing NanoGraf’s growth. In June, NanoGraf completed the first
large volume production run for the military. In March, NanoGraf
announced a new 67,850-square-foot facility for advanced
manufacturing and expanded R&D capabilities, increasing its
Chicago footprint by nearly 400%.
To learn more about NanoGraf, visit www.nanograf.com
About NanoGrafNanoGraf is an advanced battery
material company whose patented silicon anode technology enables
longer-lasting, higher-energy, and higher-power lithium-ion
batteries. NanoGraf works with more than 50 companies, including
some of the world’s leading consumer electronics, household
appliance, and power tool brands, and over 12 strategic partners in
electric mobility (from startups to Fortune 100s). NanoGraf is a
spinout of Northwestern University and Argonne National
Laboratory.
Media ContactRachel
Morrisonrachel@propllr.com