California-based battery manufacturer Amprius Technologies has introduced a new high-performance variant of its SiCore battery cell, reaching a gravimetric energy density of 450 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), aimed at electric mobility and aerospace applications.
The new SiCore cell also delivers a volumetric energy density of 950 watt-hours per litre (Wh/L), leveraging Amprius’ proprietary silicon anode technology. The company claims the silicon-based system provides up to 80% more energy than conventional lithium-ion cells using graphite anodes, translating into extended vehicle ranges and longer flight times for aircraft, while maintaining a compact form factor.
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Amprius first launched its SiCore product line in January with a 370 Wh/kg cell. While its more advanced SiMaxx platform had previously demonstrated 450 Wh/kg, the new SiCore variant stands out for being “production-ready,” according to CEO Kang Sun.
“What makes this SiCore cell different and noteworthy is that it brings that level of extreme performance into a cell chemistry and format that are ready to scale with the existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes and equipment in the industry,” Sun said.
The new battery has been tailored to meet the operational demands of aerospace and defense, offering stability across extreme temperatures and mission-critical scenarios. Amprius said the technology is currently being qualified by customers and integrated into early-stage commercial programs.
To meet anticipated demand, Amprius has built a global manufacturing network capable of gigawatt-hour-scale production. The company is also backed by a $3 million investment from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), a research body linked to the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), a joint initiative of Ford Motor, General Motors and Stellantis.