San Jose, California and Reno, Nevada - Lyten, a leader in the application of metamaterials and lithium sulfur battery technology, announced plans to invest over $1 billion to build the world's first lithium sulfur battery Gigafactory near Reno, Nevada. After the facility is fully operational, it can produce up to 10 GWh of batteries annually, and the first phase will begin in 2027.
The new factory will produce cathode active materials (CAM), lithium metal negative electrodes, and assemble cylindrical and soft pack lithium sulfur batteries. Since May 2023, Lyten has been producing these materials at its semi automated pilot plant located in San Jose, California.
This marks an important milestone in Lyten's journey, "said Dan Cook, co-founder and CEO of Lyten. Lithium sulfur is a breakthrough in battery technology, providing high energy density and lightweight, using abundant local materials and 100% made in the United States
Lyten's lithium sulfur battery is expected to be 40% lighter than lithium-ion batteries and 60% lighter than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. They also eliminate the demand for mining minerals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact. Lyten's batteries will enter the micro mobility, space, drone, and defense markets in 2024 and 2025.
The super factory will be built on 125 acres of land in Reno AirLogistics Park, initially employing 200 workers, and will increase to over 1000 workers after full production. Lyten has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dermody Properties to develop the site, and the facility is expected to break ground in early 2025.
Lyten is collaborating with local educational institutions, including the University of Nevada Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, to cultivate the skilled workforce needed to expand the operation of the Gigafactory.
