Sila Opens U.S. Factory To Make Silicon Anodes For Energy Dense EV Batteries
Sila has taken a big leap forward in the EV battery race. On Tuesday, the startup officially began operations at its new factory in Moses Lake, Washington. Sila opens U.S. factory to make silicon anodes for energy dense EV batteries, marking a major milestone for the future of electric vehicles.
Image Credits:Sila
The facility is the first large-scale silicon anode factory in the West. At launch, it can produce enough materials for 20,000–50,000 EVs. With future expansion, it could meet the demand for up to 2.5 million vehicles—putting the U.S. on the map in the global battery supply chain.
Why Silicon Anodes Matter For EVs
Silicon anodes have the potential to improve the energy density of lithium-ion batteries by as much as 50%. This means EVs could drive longer distances on a single charge and recharge much faster than today.
Sila’s CEO and co-founder, Gene Berdichevsky, emphasized the strategic advantage of producing this breakthrough technology domestically. “When you invent something new, it’s a lot easier to then produce it where you invent it,” he said.
Partnerships Driving Adoption
Sila isn’t working alone. The company already has supply agreements with major players like Panasonic and Mercedes. Beyond automakers, the company is also selling silicon anode materials to drone makers, satellite companies, and consumer electronics firms.
This broad customer base signals just how transformative silicon anodes could be—not just for EVs, but for multiple industries seeking lighter, more powerful batteries.
The Competitive Landscape
Sila may be the first to open a large-scale U.S. factory, but it isn’t the only company chasing this technology. Group14, also operating in Moses Lake, is scaling up production with South Korea’s SK Innovation. Meanwhile, Amprius in California is producing both domestically and with partners in China.
Still, Berdichevsky argues Sila’s factory is the first “auto-scale” silicon anode plant in the U.S. The company’s $375 million fundraising round last year helped fuel the project, demonstrating investor confidence in its long-term vision.
What This Means For The EV Market
The launch of Sila’s Moses Lake facility is more than just another battery factory opening—it represents a turning point in EV technology. If silicon anodes deliver on their promise, drivers could see EVs with significantly longer range, shorter charging times, and lower costs.
With global demand for EVs surging, having large-scale domestic production could also give the U.S. a competitive edge in the international battery race.
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