Ultion Technologies Produces First Fully North American LFP Battery Cells, Delivering Superior Performance at High Discharge Rates
Commercial-grade results prove North America can build its own supply chain and compete globally
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ultion Technologies today announced a breakthrough for the energy storage industry: the successful production and testing of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells made entirely with North American materials. The cells have been validated at commercial scale, delivering performance that rivals — and in some cases surpasses — leading imported alternatives at high discharge rates.
For the first time, North America has demonstrated it can produce LFP battery cells that meet or exceed global performance standards while using only regional materials. The achievement comes as the U.S. government pushes to reduce dependence on foreign battery imports.
The breakthrough reflects collaboration between Ultion and First Phosphate, a Canadian mineral development company that supplied the high-purity phosphate and iron needed for cathode materials. Ultion, a Nevada-based company, handled cell design, assembly, and testing. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 to develop this North American supply chain.
Johnnie Stoker, CEO of Ultion Technologies, said:
We can now point to a working battery cell and say every critical material came from North America,
“From mine to finished cell, the supply chain is real, and the performance matches or surpasses what global leaders are putting on the market.”
Performance results
Ultion assembled and tested the cells in standard 18650 cylindrical format (about the size of a AA battery). Independent validation confirmed:
- Stable capacity of 1.6 amp-hours (Ah) across all tested cells
- Projected cycle life of at least 2,000 cycles with 80 percent capacity retained
- Reliable performance with minimal cell-to-cell variation
- Strong stability at a 5C discharge rate, which is 10 times faster than commercially available LFP batteries.
The ability to maintain performance at high discharge rates is particularly significant for applications such as grid storage, data centers, and defense systems that require rapid power delivery.
Market impact
China currently produces more than 90 percent of the world’s LFP battery cells. Recent supply chain disruptions and national security concerns have highlighted the risks of that dependence. This project demonstrates that North America can build competitive manufacturing capacity using regional resources.
Torus, a Utah-based manufacturer of hybrid flywheel and battery storage systems, has invested in Ultion and committed to purchasing the North American cells for its products serving utilities, data centers, and commercial & industrial facilities.
Nate Walkingshaw, CEO of Torus, said:
Ultion’s progress gives us reliable supply, strong performance, and a clear competitive edge,
“What excites us most is the combination of performance and strategic value. We can now offer our utility and data center customers storage systems that are built in America and exceed the capabilities of imported alternatives.”
Stoker, said:
American innovation and manufacturing can compete head-to-head with any battery technology in the world,
“We are demonstrating performance that surpasses imports, while creating jobs and strengthening energy security.”
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Ultion Technologies Produces First Fully North American LFP Battery Cells, Delivering Superior Performance at High Discharge Rates, source
