PolyPlus Battery Company, headquartered in Berkeley, California, is a leader in advanced battery technology development. Founded in 1991, the company has built a strong reputation for innovation, particularly in lithium-based battery systems. PolyPlus specializes in creating high-energy-density batteries that address the limitations of traditional technologies, offering solutions that are smaller, lighter, and more efficient. Their work is driven by a mission to enable next-generation energy storage systems that meet the demands of modern applications, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and beyond.
With a focus on research and development, PolyPlus has pioneered several proprietary technologies, including the Glass Protected Li Metal Battery and the Protected Lithium Electrode (PLE™). These innovations have positioned the company as a critical player in the battery value chain, with applications spanning industries such as automotive, medical devices, drones, and underwater systems. PolyPlus continues to push the boundaries of battery performance, safety, and sustainability, making it a trusted name in the energy storage sector.
Battery Technology
PolyPlus is known for its advanced battery technologies, which are designed to deliver superior energy density, safety, and efficiency. One of their flagship innovations is the Glass Protected Li Metal Battery, which features a solid-state lithium anode laminate and an ultra-thin conductive glass separator. This technology doubles the energy density of conventional rechargeable batteries while reducing their size, making it ideal for applications where space and weight are critical factors.
Another core technology is the Protected Lithium Electrode (PLE™), which enables the safe use of lithium metal anodes in various battery chemistries. The PLE™ is integral to PolyPlus’s Lithium-Seawater Batteries (Li-SWBs), which use seawater as the cathode active species. These batteries achieve energy densities of up to 2000 Wh/kg, making them highly suitable for long-endurance underwater and subsea applications.
PolyPlus is also advancing Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which offer energy densities of 400-600 Wh/kg—twice that of traditional Li-ion batteries. These rechargeable batteries are designed for applications such as electric vehicles and grid storage, providing excellent cycle life and safety. Additionally, the company is developing Lithium-Air batteries, which achieve cell-level energy densities exceeding 800 Wh/kg, making them ideal for weight-sensitive, portable power applications.
By combining innovative materials with scalable manufacturing processes, PolyPlus is creating battery solutions that are not only high-performing but also cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Recent Projects
In recent years, PolyPlus has made significant progress in scaling its technologies. In 2023, the company completed a $10 million Series A financing round, which has supported the development and commercialization of its Glass Protected Li Metal Batteries. This funding has enabled PolyPlus to expand its pilot manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the integration of its technologies into real-world applications.
Additionally, PolyPlus has been actively collaborating with industry partners to advance its Lithium-Seawater Batteries. These batteries are being tested for use in autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs) and deep ocean sensors, where their high energy density and pressure tolerance provide a clear advantage. The company’s focus on scalability and cost efficiency ensures that its innovations are not only technically advanced but also commercially viable.
Investors
PolyPlus has attracted significant investment from a range of strategic and financial backers. In 2019, the company secured $7.5 million in convertible note financing from investors including Schlumberger and Belzberg & Co. More recently, in 2023, PolyPlus completed a $10 million Series A financing round led by Tao Capital Partners, with participation from AMETEK, Applied Materials, and LG Chem. These investments reflect strong confidence in PolyPlus’s ability to deliver transformative battery technologies.
Business Details
Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Website: https://polyplus.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ppbc/
Related articles: