ION Storage Systems (ION), a Maryland-based innovator in solid-state battery (SSB) technology, has achieved a major breakthrough with its battery cell, demonstrating a 25x increase in capacity within a commercially relevant footprint while surpassing 1,000 charge cycles. This milestone validates both the performance and durability needed for commercialization, particularly as ION’s cells operate without compression or volume change—addressing a key challenge in SSB adoption. The achievement paves the way for broader applications, reinforcing ION’s position as a leader in next-generation battery technology.
In 2024, ION Storage Systems commissioned a 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility—one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.—and secured a $20 million ARPA-E award to further develop its solid-state batteries (SSBs). Designed for safety, longevity, and efficiency, ION’s next-generation battery cells target critical applications in defense, consumer electronics, EVs, and grid storage. Building on this momentum, the company is now advancing the development of multi-layer cells at its Beltsville, MD, facility, accelerating progress toward commercialization.
Key Highlights:
- Breakthrough Performance: 25x capacity increase over previous cell designs, demonstrating cell footprints up to 40mm x 40mm, with the capability of going larger.
- Proven Durability: Achievement of 1,000+ cycles in this larger format validates the technology for commercial applications. Cycling was performed at a rate of C/3 at room temperature and without compression, with cells maintaining greater than 80% capacity retention. This demonstrates critical capabilities for integration into customer products and builds on our smaller cell work, which has reached over 2000 cycles.
- Manufacturing Innovation: New 30,000-square-foot facility positioned for rapid scaling to multi-layer cell production.
- Supply Chain Security: Strategic partnerships with suppliers like Saint-Gobain Ceramics ensure reliable material access.
Revolutionizing Consumer Electronics with Advanced SSB Technology
ION’s innovative technology enhances both capacity and cycle life, overcoming key challenges, particularly in consumer electronics, defense, and portable applications. ION’s ceramic-based cells eliminate the need for compression during cycling—a crucial advantage in space-constrained devices. With the ability to achieve 1,000+ cycles, ION’s technology offers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
“This milestone is a game-changer for solid-state batteries and a defining moment for ION,” stated Greg Hitz, co-founder and CTO of ION Storage Systems. “Battery-powered applications demand power sources that are not only high-performing but also safe, compact, and long-lasting. Our breakthrough—achieving both a 25x capacity increase and delivering over 1,000 cycles—demonstrates that our technology is ready to meet these challenges. With our new production facility ramping up multi-layer development, we are accelerating the path to commercialization and unlocking the full potential of solid-state batteries across multiple sectors.”
