Ion Storage Systems (ION)'s ceramic electrolyte in a 3D porous architecture delivers a lightweight, nonflammable, sustainable, and locally sourced alternative to current problematic contenders such as lithium-ion and lead-acid counterparts. Neil Ovadia, Vice President, Supply Chain, ION, shares his thoughts about the genesis for the company.
What problem are you looking to solve and how are you doing so?
Ovadia: Current available battery technologies such as lithium-ion and lead-acid have limitations of one kind or another. They’re either energy dense but very expensive, or not energy-dense and highly unsafe.
We wanted to find an uncompromising technology that delivers the next benchmark of capabilities for batteries. We’re a drop-in replacement for traditional lithium-ion batteries, and are unique because we focus on manufacturability and cost, not just the execution of a proof of concept.
To us, some of the most important performance metrics are not just energy density, safety, and optimal operating temperatures, but also the ability to manufacture sustainably. These are things that will really change the needle from being just an incremental improvement to a real step shift change.
How game-changing is the fact that it’s a drop-in replacement for the lithium-ion battery?
Ovadia: We’re looking at a really robust battery that uses domestically sourced materials or has the potential to be domestically sourced. There’s no conflict materials in it. You’re not going to see it just in expensive vehicles or just in a watch. It’s going to span the entire gamut of market segments.
What has the experience of launching this company in Maryland been like?
Ovadia: The energy storage and battery industry is somewhat new and states are learning how to foster these industries and bring them in. We’ve spent a lot of time educating the state and our county about the industry. I think the state is excited about hosting this industry in particular.
Do you want to add anything else?
Ovadia: While everyone’s looking at conventional lithium-ion, I think the real race is to produce these emerging energy storage and battery technologies. And that’s exciting because we, as a country, are actually leading again, and we’ve got the opportunity to keep the technology and jobs here.