Re-Imagine Where Lithium-Ion Can Go
LiGas cells are engineered to deliver unmatched performance and safety in the most demanding environments
About Us
South 8 Technologies
South 8 is redefining lithium-ion battery performance through bold innovation and breakthrough chemistry.
Our patented LiGas® technology, the world’s first liquefied gas electrolyte, replaces conventional liquid solutions, unlocking new levels of performance, safety, and versatility in even the most demanding environments.
From defense and aerospace to electric vehicles and beyond, LiGas powers the next generation of mobility and energy by delivering when and where it matters most.
Our Product & Technology
LiGas: Taking Li-ion Places its Never Gone Before
LiGas battery cells deliver critical reliability across the harshest environments, with industry-leading cold-weather operation down to -60 °C and proven high-temperature storage at +60 °C and 100% state-of-charge.
LiGas is available in two forms: finished cells designed for Defense and specialty markets, and a LiGas electrolyte and injection integration kit for cell manufacturers.
Whether in freezing cold or intense heat, LiGas ensures safe, 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.
PATENTS GRANTED
PATENTS PENDING
PATENT FAMILIES
COUNTRIES
The Markets We Serve
Defy Limits. Power the Impossible.
Accelerating Advanced Battery Technology
Our Investors
our funders
Accelerating Advanced Battery Technology
Our Investors
Key benefits
The Unique Advantages of LiGas
Unprecedented Temperature Range
LiGas cells operate from -60 to +60 ˚C, charge and discharge
Reduced Fire Risk
Minimal propagation risk via thermal fuse, rapidly evacuating the electrolyte from the cell
Fast Charge
High conductivity and low impedance enables fast charging and extended cycle life
Reliable Domestic Supply Chain
LiGas leverages an established U.S. gas manufacturing supply chain
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
Controller
South 8 Happenings
News and Events
How Compressed Air Led to a Battery Breakthrough
Interview with Cyrus Rustomji, South 8 CTO: By replacing the liquid electrolytes in conventional Li-ion batteries with liquefied gases, South 8 batteries have a world…
Khaki is the new green: Climate-tech startups pivot to defense
Featuring South 8: Explore how climate-tech startups are pivoting to defense, showcasing innovative solutions that blend sustainability with national security.
A Battery Breakthrough Inspired by a Can of Compressed Air
Interview with Cyrus Rustomji, South 8 CTO: A UC San Diego engineering alumnus reflects on how a chance curiosity about a can of compressed air,…
South 8 Exhibiting at SOF Week 2025
South 8 will be exhibiting our latest technology in Accelerator Alley at SOF Week 2025 in Tampa, FL May 6th & 7th.
South 8 in Partnership with KULR Awarded $6.7M by Texas Space Commission to Advance Cold-Temperature KULR ONE Space Battery Platform
Throughout the program, KULR will manage the design, testing, and production of lithium-ion cells using liquefied gas (LiGas) electrolyte from South 8 Technologies. These cells will operate down to -60°C and be integrated into the KULR ONE Space platform, optimized for extreme environments encountered during lunar and Martian missions.
AM Batteries + South 8: Transforming Li-ion Battery Manufacturing
As the demand for EV and stationary energy storage continues to grow, the adoption of advanced technologies can remove economic barriers to scaling Li-ion battery…