South 8 Technologies has been awarded a $1.6 million contract by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center to create standardized battery packs for military applications. The project aims to develop lithium-ion battery packs capable of high performance in extreme cold environments, which is essential for military operations in diverse climates.
South 8 is collaborating with a battery cell manufacturer and a leading battery pack integrator to produce prototypes of the BB-2590 battery pack. This pack will feature 24 of South 8’s Arctic™ LiGas 18650 cells, which use a liquefied gas electrolyte designed to enhance energy performance, safety, charging speed, and cost efficiency of lithium-ion batteries.
“We are grateful to have continued support from the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center to develop improved Li-ion battery systems that can power military devices during critical missions in cold climates,” said Rusty Heffner, Vice President of Strategy at South 8. “This prototyping effort brings us one step closer to qualifying LiGas battery cells in a standardized battery pack that will provide a unique capability to the U.S. military, especially units that are deployed in the Arctic.”
This contract follows two earlier projects in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) under the Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) program. The first project, valued at $6.4 million, focuses on enhancing domestic production of lithium-ion batteries, while another contract aims to develop the first Operational Single Cell for Accessory Readiness (OSCAR) batteries that promote sustainable energy storage for military personnel.
Source: Business Wire
