Batteries for the Arctic
Our Product & Technology
Introducing The ARCTIC™ AE35 18650 Cell
South 8’s new ARCTIC™ 18650, the AE35, delivers critical reliability across the harshest environments, with industry-leading cold-weather operation.
The AE35 uses a proprietary LiGas (liquefied gas) electrolyte to enable reliable charge and discharge from −60 °C to +60 °C (−76 °F to +140 °F).
The cells and the proprietary LiGas electrolyte are produced at South 8’s San Diego facility, providing customers with a domestically manufactured battery cell and a defined pathway toward meeting applicable National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sourcing requirements once those rules are finalized.
Whether in freezing cold or intense heat, the AE35 ensures high-performance energy when and where it’s needed most.
How We Work
01 /
Sampling
We have sample 18650 cells available for customer testing. Contact us if you’d like to validate LiGas in other cylindrical cell sizes.
02 /
Prototyping
Our customers are building prototype systems today with LiGas cells, which are manufactured by South 8 in San Diego, CA.
03 /
Production
In 2026, South 8 will have cell finishing capacity for specialty customers. Beginning in 2028, LiGas will be available for onsite Gigafactory integration.
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The Markets We Serve
Defy Limits. Power the Impossible.
Accelerating Advanced Battery Technology
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our funders
Endurance is Capability
LiGas cells delivered 2.4x longer runtime in cold temperature conditions
On February 6, 2026, South 8 conducted a controlled flight demonstration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with support from the ACUASI team, under real-world cold-weather conditions. The video presents the results of the flight comparison. Both flights were conducted using the same drone platform, the battery cells were identical except the electrolyte. One set used conventional liquid electrolyte, while the other incorporated South 8’s LiGas liquefied gas electrolyte.
Liquid electrolyte cells flew for 7 mins 41secs, LiGas cells flew for 18 mins 22 secs; LiGas enabled 2.4x increased flight time in cold conditions.
This demonstration reinforces a critical reality for Arctic and extreme environment operations: endurance is capability. LiGas extends mission duration and expands operational reach for defense, aerospace, and autonomous systems operating in the harshest environments.
Accelerating Advanced Battery Technology
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Key benefits
The Unique Advantages of LiGas
Unprecedented Temperature Range
LiGas cells operate from -60 to +60 ˚C, charge and discharge
Enhanced Safety
Rapid electrolyte evacuation via thermal fuse reduces burn time and propagation potential
Fast Charge
High conductivity and low impedance enables fast charging and extended cycle life
Manufactured in the U.S.
LiGas cells are finished in California utilizing domestic electrolyte inputs
High Voltage Stability
LiGas solvents are resistant to oxidation enabling new chemistries such as LNMO
Reduced Cost
High-Mn cathodes, higher loading electrodes, faster formation and electrolyte filling time
Our Recent Awards
Recognized for Innovation, Backed by Science
Our Leadership Team
The People Behind South 8
Jungwoo Lee, PhD
CEO & Co-Founder
Cyrus Rustomji, PhD
CSO & Co-Founder
Rusty Heffner, PhD
VP of Strategy
Ryo Tamaki, PhD
VP of Product
Josh Lukens
VP of Engineering
Mari Rosales
Director of Finance & Controller
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