South 8 Technologies, a San Diego–based battery innovator, and Galvion, a global provider of intelligent power and data management solutions, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on lithium-ion battery technology optimized for extreme cold environments. The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to advance battery performance through joint research, product development and field testing, with a focus on operational readiness at subzero temperatures.
Under the LOI, the two companies will establish a framework for knowledge exchange and cooperative innovation, targeting the specific needs of defense customers operating in Arctic and other cold-climate theaters. Modern military missions increasingly require reliable energy solutions in environments where temperatures can drop below –60 °C (–76 °F), and conventional batteries often fall short in such conditions. By combining South 8’s patented LiGas® cell technology—which delivers high performance across a –60 to +60 °C range—with Galvion’s SoloPack™ battery family, the collaboration aims to demonstrate next-generation systems capable of sustained operation in the harshest climates.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO of Galvion, emphasized the importance of Arctic readiness: “We have spent over a decade driving innovations in power provision and management to meet evolving operational needs. Partnering with South 8 enables us to explore battery solutions specifically engineered for extreme cold, enhancing resilience, reliability and mission readiness for defense customers.”
Jungwoo Lee, CEO of South 8 Technologies, added, “This LOI represents an exciting step toward enabling reliable energy storage where conventional batteries struggle. Integrating our LiGas cells with Galvion’s systems will support critical missions in the world’s most demanding conditions.”
Moving forward, the partners will pursue joint development and commercialization opportunities that leverage LiGas cells’ wide temperature discharge and recharge capabilities as well as their improved safety characteristics. This collaboration underscores both companies’ dedication to advancing energy solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern military operations in extreme environments.
Source: Business Wire
