Sila opens U.S. factory to make silicon anodes for energy dense EV batteries

Sila, a battery materials startup, has commenced operations at its new factory in Moses Lake, Washington, marking the first large-scale silicon anode production facility in the Western world. Initially, the factory can produce enough silicon anode material to supply batteries for 20,000 to 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs), with potential expansion plans to meet demand for up to 2.5 million vehicles. Silicon anodes, which Sila has developed over 14 years, can increase lithium-ion battery energy density by up to 50%, offering significant improvements in EV battery performance, including faster charging and reduced reliance on costly materials like nickel. The choice of Moses Lake leverages local advantages such as cheap hydropower, ample land, and proximity to key raw materials, enabling a cost-effective production process. Sila aims to demonstrate consistency between materials produced at this new facility and those from its prior R&D line. The company anticipates that batteries using its silicon anodes will become cheaper than