Amprius Technologies, based in Fremont, is set to construct a new battery-making facility in Brighton, Colorado. The move comes as the company seeks to expand the production of its proprietary silicon anode lithium-ion battery cells that offer greater energy density than conventional graphite cells.
The new facility will be built in phases, with an initial output capacity of 500 megawatt-hours, and is expected to become operational in 2025. When completed, the factory will cover a footprint of 775,000 square feet, with a potential output of 5 gigawatt-hours per year.
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The location was chosen due to the pre-existing electric power and structural layout that is needed for a new factory, which will keep costs down. The site already has a 1.3 million square foot existing factory, and after finishing the new facility, the site’s combined output will be 10 gigawatt-hours per year.
At the event where the letter of intent was signed, Jared Polis, the Governor of Colorado, expressed excitement about the expansion plans. He said, “We need more batteries to power the future, and now we will be manufacturing more of them right here in Colorado. We are excited to welcome Amprius to Colorado, bringing over 300 new good-paying jobs and joining Colorado’s innovative and collaborative business community.”
Amprius Technologies’ CEO, Dr. Kang Sun, said, “The selection of Colorado for our gigawatt-scale factory marks an important milestone for Amprius. Increasing production to meet the substantial market demand for our breakthrough silicon anode lithium-ion technology remains a priority, and we are confident this factory will allow us to scale and effectively serve the electric mobility market.”
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The initial phase of 500 MWh will be partially funded by a $50 million cost-sharing grant awarded by the Department of Energy, with Amprius being one of the first companies in the United States to receive funding thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Amprius Technologies prides itself on producing the most energy-dense lithium-ion units today, thanks to its silicon anode technology. According to the company, its currently available batteries deliver up to 450 Wh/kg and 1,150 Wh/L.
