Amprius, a notable player in battery technology, has gained recognition since 2022 for its groundbreaking silicone-anode batteries, celebrated as the most high-density cells globally. Currently, the company is shifting focus towards a crucial and unique initiative: providing specialized wearable batteries designed for military personnel.
The rationale behind this initiative is straightforward yet crucial: as the complexity and reliance on electronic devices increase in modern warfare, soldiers require maximum energy capacity at minimal weight to power their mission-critical equipment, enabling them to operate effectively and safely in the field for extended durations.
Amprius asserts that its ultra-dense batteries will effectively double the runtime of existing solutions, offering soldiers the ability to stay deployed for longer periods without the need for frequent recharging.
The United States Army is actively working on a next-generation Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB) system, which aims to serve as a single, integrated power source for soldiers’ essential gear, including the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and various communication devices, sensors, and other electronics.
This initiative seeks to replace the current array of item-specific batteries, which come in different shapes and sizes, with a streamlined and adaptable power solution designed to conform to the soldier’s body with thin, flexible construction.
“This battery pack integration marks a significant advancement in enhancing on-the-ground power solutions for the US Army,” Amprius CEO Dr. Kang Sun said in Thursday’s announcement. “Our SiMaxx safe cells, known for their high energy density and safety features, will play a crucial role in enhancing mission time and reliability for dismounted soldiers.”
Amprius is collaborating with defense contractor Inventus Power, among others, to supply energy-dense cells for the CWB project. The company’s SiMaxx cells, characterized by their silicon-based anode in a nanowire structure, offer unparalleled energy density and safety features, making them ideal for military applications.
These cells boast an impressive energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg by weight and 1,300 Wh/kg by volume, positioning them as among the most energy-dense cells available for deployment in wearable military technology.
Amprius has rigorously tested its SiMaxx cells, including the vital nail penetration test, to ensure their resilience and safety in challenging battlefield conditions. The CWB project, set to continue until May 2030, has prompted Amprius to significantly expand its manufacturing capacity.
Backed by the US Army’s Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, the company has finalized the expansion of its production facilities. Amprius targets achieving gigawatt-hour scale production capacities at its Fremont, California, and Colorado sites by 2025.
Amprius’ battery innovation has captivated interest outside of military applications, branching into sectors like electric aviation, satellites, drones, and solar-powered vehicles. While specific strategies for integrating their technology into electric vehicles remain undisclosed, Amprius foresees substantial enhancements in electric vehicle range through the utilization of their silicone-anode cells.
For instance, employing their technology in a Tesla Model 3 battery pack could potentially amplify its range from 310 miles (500 km) to an impressive 547 miles (880 km). This underscores the versatility and considerable potential impact of Amprius’ battery technology across various industries.