Galvion, a global leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent power and data management solutions, innovative head systems and integrated soldier systems, announced it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with South 8 Technologies, a San Diego–based innovator redefining lithium-ion battery performance with its patented LiGas cell technology. The LOI represents a shared commitment between two innovative defense and energy organizations to push the boundaries of battery performance through focused research and product development.
Galvion testing and demonstrating cold-weather power capabilities at Violent Winter Arctic Warfare Symposium in Colorado, February 2025 / Photos: Galvion
Galvion and South 8 are dedicated to using advanced battery technology to further address the challenges faced by today’s warfighter. As modern military operations extend into increasingly harsh and unpredictable environments, particularly the Arctic and other cold-climate theaters, limitations in today’s energy solutions become clear. The LOI establishes the framework for cooperative innovation, knowledge exchange, and field-focused testing to accelerate customers’ operational readiness in sub-zero temperatures. The initial scope of the work is guided by the urgent needs of defense customers in the US and Northern Europe who demand improved battery performance in climates with extreme temperatures. By leveraging South 8’s LiGas cell technology and aligning R&D capabilities, the collaboration seeks to demonstrate next-generation battery systems capable of operating reliably in Arctic conditions, with sustained temperatures as low as -60 °C (-76°F).
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO of Galvion said: We have spent over a decade driving innovations in power provision and management to provide solutions that can adapt to the ever-changing operational needs of the modern warfighter. Arctic readiness is a new reality and partnering with South 8 allows us to explore battery technology that is specifically engineered to cope better with the challenges of extreme cold environments.
He added:
We see a lot of opportunity in combining South 8’s LiGas cell technology with our field-proven SoloPack battery family so we can provide defense customers with energy solutions that further enhance resilience, reliability, and mission readiness in extreme environments.
At South 8, we are redefining what is possible for lithium-ion performance in the harshest environments. This LOI with Galvion represents an exciting step toward enabling reliable energy storage in extreme cold applications where conventional batteries struggle. By integrating our LiGas cells, customers like Galvion can deliver unmatched performance and resilience, supporting critical missions in the world’s most demanding conditions, said Jungwoo Lee, CEO of South 8 Technologies.
Galvion and South 8 will explore opportunities for joint development and commercialization of battery solutions that take full advantage of the South 8 LiGas cells’ wide temperature discharging and recharging capabilities as well as improved safety characteristics.
About South 8 Technologies
Based in San Diego, California, South 8 Technologies is pioneering the world’s first liquefied gas electrolyte (LiGas) for lithium-ion batteries. LiGas cells enable high-performance operation across an unprecedented temperature range (-60 to +60 °C), unlocking applications in defense, aerospace, and electrified transportation. South 8 offers both finished cells and electrolyte integration kits for partners seeking to advance their systems with cutting-edge electrochemical performance. With superior reliability, unmatched versatility, and the ability to operate where conventional batteries cannot, South 8 is redefining the standards of lithium-ion technology and opening new frontiers for industries in the most demanding environments.
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