Ultion Technologies recently announced the successful production and validation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells made entirely with North American–sourced materials. The cells were tested at commercial scale and demonstrated performance comparable to leading imported alternatives, with strong results at high discharge rates.
This marks the first demonstration that North America can produce LFP battery cells that meet global performance standards using only regional materials.
The development comes amid broader efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical energy storage technologies, including those used in electric vehicles.
The project reflects collaboration between Ultion and First Phosphate, a Canadian mineral development company that supplied high-purity phosphate and iron for cathode materials. Ultion, based in Nevada, oversaw cell design, assembly, and testing. The companies began working together in 2023 to establish a regional supply chain for LFP.
Performance results…
The cells were produced in the standard 18650 cylindrical format and independently validated, showing:
- Stable capacity of 1.6 amp-hours (Ah) across tested cells
- Projected cycle life exceeding 2,000 cycles with 80% capacity retained
- Minimal cell-to-cell variation during testing
- Strong stability at a 5C discharge rate, about ten times higher than typical commercial LFP cells
High-rate performance is especially relevant for applications requiring rapid power delivery, including electric vehicles (EVs) and grid storage.
LFP cells are increasingly used in EVs for their lower cost, safety profile, and long cycle life. Demonstrating reliable, North American–sourced production provides a potential pathway for automakers to diversify supply and reduce dependence on imported materials. Lower cobalt use and enhanced stability at high discharge rates may also support faster charging and improved performance in next-generation EV platforms.
Today, China produces more than 90% of the world’s LFP cells. This project shows that competitive production is possible in North America, aligning with national goals for supply chain resilience and domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News