US Startup Develops 1,300-Cycle Lithium Battery Without Chinese Components

Boston-based startup Pure Lithium is developing a new lithium metal battery designed to outperform conventional lithium-ion cells while being manufactured entirely without Chinese inputs. Led by CEO Emilie Bodoin, the company uses a proprietary 'Brine to Battery' process to extract lithium directly from brine and pairs this with a vanadium cathode, eliminating the need for graphite, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are largely imported from China. The battery can withstand over 1,300 charge cycles, operates safely at high temperatures, and has demonstrated stable industrial charging and discharging rates. Pure Lithium is constructing a pilot production plant in the U.S. to scale this technology, supported by interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for up to $300 million in financing. This effort aligns with the current administration's push to reduce dependency on China for critical minerals amid tariffs and supply chain concerns. If successful, the company could provide a fully localized lithium battery supply chain for electric vehicles and energy storage applications.