While today ’ s typical lithium batteries stop working at -4 ° F , a battery from South 8 Technologies can perform at a record low of -76 ° F . energy and were also safer — the electrolyte has a built-in safety mechanism that stops it from working at high temperatures , preventing the battery from overheating and potentially catching on fire .
So how cold is cold ? Where today ’ s typical lithium batteries stop working at -4 ° F , a battery from South 8 Technologies can perform at a record low of -76 ° F . Such a radical difference can yield benefits well beyond electric cars in wintertime — it could be a game changer for any craft deployed to extremely cold environments , such as underwater vehicles , weather balloons and satellites .
With such potential , Rustomji wasted no time starting a business . South 8 Technologies was founded in 2015 , the same year he earned his PhD . Yet Rustomji kept UC San Diego close after graduation : he continued working in Meng ’ s group as a postdoc to improve the new electrolyte chemistry , and later formed a core team with fellow lab members , MBA students from the Rady School of Management and a business professional from UC San Diego ’ s Entrepreneurs – in-Residence program .
This team of Tritons hopes this low temperature breakthrough can make a big impact for the world in broadening the use and range of battery technology . The team is currently working on samples to send to automotive manufacturers , and even recently received funding from NASA to develop electrolytes that can run even colder , down to -148 ° F , with the potential to power spacecraft or interplanetary rovers sent to explore planets like Jupiter and Saturn .
But whether their sights are set on farthest reaches of space or the coldest waters under the ocean , Rustomji and his team will be working to take today ’ s batteries to crazy new levels .
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