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.

LiGas batteries on dry ice

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.

Solider, Drone, Lunar Rover

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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PATENTS PENDING

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PATENT FAMILIES

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COUNTRIES

The Markets We Serve

Defy Limits. Power the Impossible.

Defense

Engineered for the evolving battlefield and its harshest environments 

Aerospace

Designed to perform at high altitude without heating

Automotive

Built for the next era of electric mobility — where performance meets safety

Defense

Engineered for the evolving battlefield and its harshest environments 

Aerospace

Designed to perform at high altitude without heating

Automotive

Built for the next era of electric mobility — where performance meets safety

Accelerating Advanced Battery Technology

Our Investors

our funders

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

KULR, South 8, NASA and Texas Space Commission

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.

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South 8 Receives Notice of PowerForward Battery Manufacturing Grant

South 8 is thrilled to announce that we received a notice of proposed award in the PowerForward Battery Manufacturing Grant Program. The $9 million proposed award will scale South 8’s LiGas® electrolyte manufacturing and integrate LiGas into battery cell manufacturing with partner Nanotech Energy.

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Get in touch

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