BELTSVILLE, Md. — A Maryland-grown company has ramped up production of a battery that cannot catch on fire and is dramatically better for the environment, according to supporters.
ION Storage Systems of Beltsville hit a major milestone this week as it commissioned a new production line, with VIPs -- including members of the U.S. Senate and House -- saying the technology has the potential to fundamentally change the existing lithium-ion battery business globally.
"Our battery is completely non flammable," said ION Storage System's CEO Ricky Hanna, who noted the technology does not rely on elements such as nickel and cobalt, which are linked to environmentally and socially harmful mining practices in countries like Russia and The Republic of Congo. “When we drive an EV, we want to think we're doing great things for the environment. The dirty little secret is, those batteries have nickel and cobalt. Nickel is a lot more expensive because it's processed in Russia and because of the war in Ukraine. And Cobalt is mined in one place in the world - and that's Congo. China owns about 80% of the mines and they exploit child and slave labor to mine.
Hanna reiterated that the ION Storage System batteries don't require those materials.
In addition, the company claims the batteries are 100% recyclable and produce 40% more power than conventional lithium ion cells currently ubiquitous in consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
"It's a new approach and it's a safer way to go," said Rep. Glenn Ivey (D) Maryland, who represents Prince George's County, where ION Storage Systems is headquartered in the shadow of the University of Maryland, where the technology was developed.
Believers include the U.S. military, which is the company's first customer. The batteries will power devices such as GPS locators and communications systems carried by soldiers in combat.
The Department of Energy has provided investments of at least $30 million under a program designed to develop U.S.-based energy technology and keep production in the country.
Hanna said the company aims to quickly ramp up production in its Beltsville facility with the eventual goal of offering a line of cost-competitive batteries for consumer electronics and electric vehicles by 2028.
Part of the battery’s secret lies in a non-flammable, recyclable, lithium-based ceramic powder that was invented at the University of Maryland by collaborators led by Dr. Eric Wachsman, the director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute, and William L. Crentz, centennial chair in energy research.
The ceramic powder conducts and stores electrical ions 40% better than the conventional lithium-ion batteries, ION Storage Systems claims. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, the ceramic cannot catch on fire and is fully recyclable, the company added.
Chief Technology Officer Dr. Greg Hitz began working with Dr. Wachsman at the University of Maryland when Hitz was a graduate student in 2012.
“Batteries are everywhere," Hitz said. "They permeate our lives, and it's only growing. Our batteries are going to go wherever lithium ion is and more."
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.