HPQ Silicon Inc. announced that its French technology partner, NOVACIUM SAS, has officially launched industrial-scale production of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells incorporating its third-generation (GEN3) silicon-based anode material.
Earlier lab results demonstrated strong performance of 18650 cells using the GEN3 anode, including a capacity of 4,000 mAh and 1,000 charge cycles. These results attracted attention from multiple players in the energy and mobility sectors. The new GEN3 cells are designed for high-demand applications such as electric mobility, defense systems, and electronics.
To meet increasing demand, Novacium is accelerating industrial deployment and transitioning from development to commercial-scale manufacturing. The GEN3 silicon anode material has now been integrated into the production line of an industrial partner with existing high-volume manufacturing capacity. This compatibility with conventional lithium-ion cell infrastructure has enabled rapid scale-up and delivery of the 18650 and 21700 cylindrical cells with capacities of 4,000 mAh and 6,000 mAh, respectively.
This milestone moves the technology beyond the lab and into real-world evaluation by commercial partners. Novacium’s decision to partner with an experienced manufacturer (already producing tens of millions of cells annually) positions the company for quick ramp-up and broader market adoption.
For the EV industry, the GEN3 technology offers particular relevance: the higher energy density enabled by silicon anodes directly supports extended vehicle range, while compatibility with standard cell formats streamlines integration into existing EV battery systems.
HPQ, which holds the exclusive North American license for the GEN3 silicon anode material, is preparing to localize production in Canada. The company sees this development as a strategic step toward addressing North America’s growing battery demand and initiating domestic manufacturing efforts in support of transportation electrification.
The move from R&D to industrial-scale output underscores HPQ and Novacium’s ability to commercialize advanced battery materials and contribute to next-generation energy storage solutions. The companies expect these early commercial units to enter partner evaluations in the coming quarter, with potential revenue generation and production scale-up to follow.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News