Forge Nano, Inc. announced the development of a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell made exclusively from US-sourced materials, intended for evaluation by the US Department of Defense. The cell, produced using the company’s Atomic Armor surface coating technology, is designed to offer high energy density and capacity while meeting DoD standards for cycle life and operating temperature range.
Forge Nano has vetted dozens of components from multiple domestic suppliers and is manufacturing the cells on its 10 MWh-per-year production line in Thornton, Colorado. The first cells are scheduled for delivery for DoD testing later in 2025. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign battery supply chains and enhance national security through a resilient domestic production network.
“In today’s environment of rising tariffs and global instability, producing a 100% U.S.-sourced lithium-ion cell isn’t just a strategic advantage – it’s a national security imperative,” said Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano. “For the Department of Defense, having a secure, domestic supply of advanced battery technology ensures mission readiness, supply chain resilience, and energy independence in the face of growing international uncertainty.”
Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor platform applies proprietary surface coatings to battery materials, improving performance characteristics such as cycle life, safety and cost-effectiveness. The company has previously partnered with commercial entities to scale its coating technology from laboratory research to high-volume manufacturing. It has applied Atomic Armor coatings across a range of materials at scales spanning small-scale R&D to commercial production.
Through its subsidiary Forge Battery, the company is focused on delivering durable lithium-ion cells for specialized applications. Both entities leverage Atomic Armor coatings to enhance cell durability and performance while addressing the demands of defense and industrial markets.
Source: Forge Nano Press Release
