Amprius Technologies, global industry experts in high energy density lithium-ion battery technology, has secured up to $75 million in U.S. government funding to convert an existing domestic electric vehicle battery production line for high volume manufacturing of advanced silicon anode cells.

The project will reconfigure a U.S. based EV battery line operated by a major South Korean battery manufacturer to produce high energy density pouch cells for unmanned aerial systems. Amprius expects the converted line to reach annual capacity of approximately 12 million cells when completed in early 2028, adding significant domestic production capability to its existing manufacturing network in the United States, South Korea and China. The overall conversion project is expected to cost approximately $100 million, including in kind investment from Amprius and its manufacturing partner. 

The award supports Project acCELLerate, which is structured under an Other Transaction Agreement for domestic production of silicon anode high energy density lithium-ion pouch cells for small unmanned aerial systems. The underlying agreement identifies a total government share of approximately $74.79 million, with $22.3 million initially funded and additional payments tied to project milestones. Amprius’ public announcement describes the award as a grant of up to $75 million through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program.

Group photo of Amprius Technologies SiCore silicon anode battery cells, featured by EV + Battery Tech Monthly.

Amprius Technologies’ SiCore® battery platform forms part of the company’s expanding silicon anode portfolio as it prepares to scale domestic production of high energy density cells for U.S. applications.

From a manufacturing standpoint, the project is notable for repurposing existing EV battery production infrastructure rather than building a new line around the target cell chemistry. That approach allows Amprius to expand U.S. capacity through an established manufacturing asset while building on its existing contract manufacturing model and the production capabilities of its South Korean partner. The converted line is intended to support commercial scale production of NDAA compliant cells for customers requiring domestically sourced battery systems.

“This DoW grant is intended to establish a primary source of domestic, NDAA-compliant battery production,” said Amprius CEO Tom Stepien. “Our technology, combined with the U.S. manufacturing prowess of our South Korean manufacturing partner, positions us to accelerate adoption of standardized, high-performance pouch cells in a fast-growing market.”

Amprius develops silicon anode lithium-ion batteries for applications where energy density, weight and endurance are central to system performance. Its SiCore® platform uses a proprietary silicon anode material system developed for higher energy density than conventional graphite-based lithium-ion cells, while the company’s broader portfolio includes SiMaxx™ silicon nanowire battery technology. Amprius also operates battery R&D and pilot manufacturing capabilities from its Fremont, California headquarters.

The new U.S. production line is aimed primarily at Group 1, 2 and 3 unmanned aerial systems, while also expanding Amprius’ domestic manufacturing footprint as battery developers and end users place greater emphasis on local sourcing, production scalability and supply chain compliance. The converted line is expected to complement the company’s existing contract manufacturing relationships and increase availability of standardized pouch cells for customers requiring U.S. based production. Completion of the line conversion is planned for early 2028.

About Amprius Technologies

Amprius Technologies develops high energy and high-power lithium-ion batteries based on advanced silicon anode technologies. Headquartered in Fremont, California, the company operates an R&D laboratory and pilot manufacturing facility for silicon anodes and battery cells while using contract manufacturing relationships to support larger scale commercial production. Its battery technologies serve aerospace, defense, mobility and other applications where energy density, weight, power and endurance are critical design considerations. The company’s portfolio includes the SiCore and SiMaxx battery platforms, which use different silicon anode approaches to address a range of performance and application requirements. For more information, please click here. 

Source/Photo Credit: Amprius Technologies

(Editor’s Note: All trademarks mentioned in this article, including company names, product names, and logos, are the property of their respective owners. Use of these trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement.)

Molly Bakewell Chamberlin
Latest posts by Molly Bakewell Chamberlin (see all)
Tagged