Sion Power is taking a key step toward commercializing its Licerion battery cells, which are expected to cut the cost of 200 kWh battery packs by 35%. The company claims its lithium-metal technology delivers twice the energy of conventional lithium-ion batteries at the same size and weight.
In partnership with Mühlbauer Group, Sion is developing a fully automated production line capable of manufacturing 75 MWh of 56 Ah lithium-metal cells annually. The company says these cells will exceed 50 amp-hours and will be supplied to automotive OEMs for testing. The facility, aimed at making Sion “volume-production ready” by 2028, will also support further advancements in Licerion technology.
Developed with BASF, Licerion cells offer higher energy density and longer cycle life than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Independent tests verified that Sion’s prototype cell exceeded 800 cycles with 400 Wh/kg energy and 780 Wh/L energy density. The company aims for a future 56 Ah capacity while ensuring fast-charging capabilities, with a 6 Ah cell reaching 80% charge in under 15 minutes.
Sion Power CEO Pam Fletcher emphasized that Licerion technology “unlocks the potential of lithium metal to leapfrog current graphite and silicone anode solutions.” She added that the company will supply large-format test cells with both LFP and NMC cathodes to global customers, including strategic partners like LG Energy Solution.