Amprius Technologies has completed its first delivery of battery cells to the US Army as part of a $3-million soldier-worn power supply contract.
The project supports the US Department of Defense’s agreement with Illinois-based Inventus Power to deliver Conformal Wearable Batteries for the army.
The equipment was specifically tailored to meet deployment requirements on the battlefield, such as reduced overall weight and increased energy density.
The US awarded the original contract for the soldier-worn batteries to Inventus following a competition announced in May 2021.
This $1.2-billion initiative is expected to run through 2030 in partnership with the US Army’s Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, a collaborative framework leveraging industrial manufacturing innovations to boost critical warfighter capabilities.
‘Safe’ Power Cells
Amprius wrote that the effort served as a “significant market opportunity” for the company and further advanced its role as a battery solutions provider for mission-critical applications.
The Conformal Wearable Batteries contract also enabled the firm to improve its processes related to silicon nanowire technology mass production.
This advantage aided Amprius in finalizing other automation, demonstration, and fabrication projects for large-scale production in Colorado, which is scheduled to open next year.
“We are honored to have collaborated with ManTech on this critical initiative to meet the US Army’s manufacturing needs for power sources,” Amprius Technologies CEO Dr. Kang Sun stated.
“Our cells, which have passed the nail penetration test, provide safe power solutions for US Army batteries while more than doubling their energy.”
“Amprius’ silicon anode batteries provide significantly higher energy density and double the mission time compared to existing power resources.”
“We’re dedicated to providing battery technology advancements that transcend current limitations and chart the course for future military power sources that supply game-changing performance for our soldiers.”