INTERVIEW: Made-in-US battery tech drives push for supply chain independence, says LiNova CEO

In an effort to reduce dependence on Chinese battery imports, US startups across states like California and Texas are developing new domestic technologies aiming to replace lithium with more abundant, sustainable materials, potentially transforming the EV battery market as early as the next five years.

California-based LiNova Energy is developing polymer cathodes to replace lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, a chemistry widely dominated by Chinese manufacturers. Its technology eliminates the need for nickel, cobalt, and other metals. CEO Michael Nagus told Platts that the company's US-made cathode materials can match the cost of Chinese LFP at just a fraction of the scale.

"China controls 99% of the global LFP cathode active material market," Nagus said. "We're working to change that by building a fully domestic supply chain."

LiNova currently uses US-sourced material and says it reduces cathode costs 75% below traditional LFP. Additionally, American-made entire cells can see a 50% cost reduction.

The company has signed a joint development agreement with Saft, a multinational battery firm and subsidiary of TotalEnergies, to co-develop lithium-metal cells for aerospace and defense applications. Following smaller-scale pilot deployments, the company plans to introduce a commercial-format cell in early 2026.

Safety remains a key concern as lithium-ion battery use expands across residential, industrial, and mobility sectors. According to Nagus, a polymer-based cathode avoids some of the risks associated with conventional metal chemistries, which can release oxygen and trigger thermal runaway. Alternatively, the new material decomposes at higher temperatures and emits carbon dioxide instead of oxygen when exposed to extreme heat. The design also uses a non-flammable electrolyte and is structured for more straightforward end-of-life recycling, aided by the absence of transition metals that typically complicate recovery processes.

Looking ahead, Nagus sees the US battery sector catching up after decades of trailing Asia. He believes new technology will be key to enabling a more secure domestic energy storage ecosystem.

"In 20 years, I see the US battery industry as a ubiquitous part of the global energy mix, not playing catch-up, but leading with new technologies," he said. "We're helping build what's next right here in the US," added Nagus.

Platts assessed daily DDP US battery-grade lithium carbonate at $11,950/mt on Aug. 21, up $200 on the day and week, reflecting standard battery-grade quality, minimum 99.5% Li2CO3, delivered 15-60 days forward.

Platts assessed daily DDP US battery-grade lithium hydroxide also higher at $11,150/mt, Aug. 21, up $200 on the day and week, reflecting standard battery-grade quality, a minimum of 56.5% LiOH H20, delivery 15-60 days forward and a minimum volume of 5 mt.

S&P Global Energy is pleased to announce the much-anticipated, inaugural Battery Materials and Critical Minerals Conference, to take place in Franklin, TN, on Nov. 3-5, 2025.

Platts is part of S&P Global Energy.