California-based battery materials developer Sila has initiated the commissioning phase of its first large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, marking a key step toward scaled domestic battery production. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in the second half of 2025.
The commissioning phase includes mechanical completion, integration of systems, verification of equipment, and a series of safety and regulatory tests to ensure the facility is production-ready. Once operational, the plant will serve both the automotive sectorâthrough partnerships such as that with Mercedes-Benzâand a broader range of industries including consumer electronics, drones, and robotics.
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The plant will manufacture Silaâs proprietary Titan Silicon anode material, which the company says can deliver a 20% to 25% increase in energy density over conventional graphite cells. The company also aims to further enhance the technology in future iterations to achieve up to a 40% performance boost, faster charging times under 10 minutes, and more cost-efficient battery systems.
The Washington facility is also intended to play a central role in developing a domestic battery supply chain, addressing concerns around reliance on overseas materials and manufacturing. According to the company, the new site is part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. energy independence by shifting battery innovation from lab-scale development to mass production.
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Sila’s expansion has been supported by both private sector investment and government backing. The company began preparing the site in 2023 and sees the project as a model for scaling up clean energy technologies within the United States.