Ampcera Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of solid-state battery materials, specializing in advanced electrolyte solutions and integrated battery systems. Founded in 2017, the company has established itself as an essential contributor to the evolution of energy storage technology. Their primary focus lies in creating high-performance solid-state batteries that offer superior safety features and up to 50% more energy capacity compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Ampcera serves over 200 customers worldwide, including major automotive manufacturers and battery producers, supported by a strong portfolio of patents and trade secrets.
Battery Technology
The company’s core technology centers on sulfide-based solid electrolytes, engineered for exceptional purity and ionic conductivity. These materials are fundamental to developing ultra-high energy density batteries capable of fast charging while maintaining intrinsic safety features. Ampcera’s solid-state battery technology incorporates high-capacity NMC cathodes and silicon-based anodes, achieving energy densities of up to 400 Wh/kg.
Their innovative graphite-free solid-state battery design has demonstrated remarkable performance, completing over 5,000 charge cycles while maintaining high capacity retention. This technology addresses critical supply chain concerns related to graphite availability. The batteries can achieve an 80% charge in under 15 minutes at a peak C-rate of 4C, meeting the U.S. Department of Energy’s requirements for extreme fast charging.
Ampcera’s manufacturing capabilities include a pre-pilot plant with a 1-ton annual capacity and an industrial pilot plant scaled to 20 tons. The company plans to expand production to 1,000 tons by 2026 to meet growing market demand, with a focus on reducing material costs to below $50 per kilogram.
Recent Projects
In 2023, Ampcera received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance solid-state battery development in collaboration with a major U.S. automaker. The company has also initiated several joint development agreements aimed at optimizing manufacturing processes for commercial production beginning in 2026. Their recent technological achievement of reaching 5,000 cycles with their silicon-anode battery technology has demonstrated significant progress in energy density and fast-charging capabilities.
Investors
Ampcera has secured substantial financial backing from prominent investors. In December 2022, Hanwha Solutions Corporation led a $15 million Series A funding round, which has been instrumental in scaling the production of sulfide-based solid electrolyte materials. The U.S. Department of Energy has also provided multiple grants supporting the company’s research and development initiatives for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing of solid-state batteries. The total funding secured by Ampcera amounts to $17.52 million, enabling continuous advancement in their technology development and manufacturing capabilities.
Business Details
Location: Milpitas, California, United States (Headquarters)
Additional Facility: Tucson, Arizona, United States (R&D and Manufacturing)
Website: https://ampcera.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ampcera/
