Forge Nano, Inc., a technology company producing domestic battery and semiconductor innovations, has announced that it’s developing a lithium-ion battery cell for the US Department of Defense for testing that includes battery materials solely sourced from the United States.
The 18650 cylindrical cell is expected to have high capacity and energy density, while meeting Department of Defense requirements for cycle life and operating temperatures.
Forge Nano has vetted dozens of cell components from multiple US suppliers that comprise the 18650 cell. It will be producing the cell in Thornton, Colorado, using its 10 MWh/year cell manufacturing line to deliver cells to the US Department of Defense for testing this year.
“In today’s environment of rising tariffs and global instability, producing a 100% U.S.-sourced lithium-ion cell isn’t just a strategic advantage — it’s a national security imperative,” said Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano. “For the Department of Defense, having a secure, domestic supply of advanced battery technology ensures mission readiness, supply chain resilience, and energy independence in the face of growing international uncertainty.”
Last year, GM Ventures invested $10 million in Forge Nano, as it also specializes in atomic layer deposition (ALD). As part of the deal, GM and Forge Nano entered a strategic partnership to explore ALD applications in GM’s battery technology, aiming to improve performance and durability.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News