Beltsville, Maryland, August 15, 2025 – ION Storage Systems, Inc., a Maryland-based leader in next-generation solid-state battery technology, has achieved a historic milestone by shipping the first commercial samples of its “Cornerstone” solid-state battery cells to leading consumer electronics manufacturers. Announced on August 12, 2025, this breakthrough marks ION as the first company to deliver fully functional solid-state batteries (SSBs) that require no compression, offering superior safety, long cycle life, and no swell for devices like smartphones, laptops, and wearables. This achievement, coupled with significant technical advancements, positions ION to transform energy storage across consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), aerospace, and defense sectors.
A Landmark Achievement: Cornerstone Battery Samples
The Cornerstone cells, multilayer solid-state batteries, were shipped to top-tier consumer electronics firms for integration testing, a critical step toward commercialization. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, these SSBs eliminate the need for bulky compression systems, offering enhanced safety, higher energy density, and thermal stability. ION’s Chief Commercial Officer, Eric Lind, emphasized the uniqueness of this milestone: “We’re the only solid-state battery company delivering fully functional cells that don’t require compression for real-world consumer electronics, setting us apart in a highly competitive landscape.” The samples are also being tested by EV, aerospace, and defense customers, showcasing the platform’s versatility.
ION’s achievement builds on earlier technical milestones. In February 2025, the company reported a 25-fold capacity increase in a 40×40 mm cell, achieving over 1,000 charge cycles without compression or volume change, a breakthrough validated in a commercially relevant format. This progress, combined with the launch of a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in 2024, underscores ION’s readiness to scale production.
Milestone | Date | Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Cornerstone Sample Shipment | August 2025 | First commercial SSB samples shipped | Enables integration testing for consumer electronics, EVs, aerospace, defense |
Capacity Breakthrough | February 2025 | 25x capacity increase, 1,000+ cycles | Validates commercial viability without compression |
Manufacturing Facility Launch | 2024 | 30,000 sq ft facility commissioned | Positions ION for scaled production |
Technical Innovation: A Compression-Free, Anodeless Design
ION’s Cornerstone cells utilize a patented three-dimensional ceramic structure, eliminating the need for an anode and external compression systems, which are common barriers to SSB adoption. This design delivers higher energy density, improved thermal stability, and a cycle life exceeding 1,000 charges, making it ideal for compact, high-performance devices. CEO Jorge Diaz Schneider highlighted the platform’s multi-industry potential: “Cornerstone powers the most expansive solid-state sampling programs in the industry, reaching top-tier customers across consumer electronics, EVs, aerospace, and defense simultaneously.”
The cells, developed using semi-automated equipment akin to lithium-ion manufacturing, support scalable production. ION’s partnership with Saint-Gobain Ceramics ensures a reliable supply chain, further de-risking commercialization. The company’s cobalt- and nickel-free approach also enhances sustainability, aligning with global demand for eco-friendly energy storage.
Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Anodeless Design | Eliminates traditional anode | Higher energy density, smaller footprint |
Compression-Free | No external compression needed | Simplifies integration, reduces costs |
Ceramic Structure | 3D ceramic electrolyte | Enhanced safety, thermal stability |
Cycle Life | Over 1,000 cycles | Long-lasting, reliable performance |
Industry Context: A Shift in Energy Storage
ION’s milestone arrives amid a global race to commercialize solid-state batteries, which promise safer, more efficient alternatives to lithium-ion technology. Competitors like QuantumScape and Solid Power are also advancing SSBs, but ION’s compression-free design and early commercial sampling give it a competitive edge. The $30 billion global battery market, projected to grow to $150 billion by 2030, is driven by demand for EVs, wearables, and grid storage, areas where ION’s technology excels.
India’s rise as a tech hub, overtaking China as the top U.S. smartphone supplier in Q2 2025, complements this trend, with companies like Apple testing ION’s samples for future devices. However, U.S. tariffs, including a 25% duty on Indian imports, and Trump’s call to curb Indian tech hiring could pose challenges for cross-border collaborations. ION’s $20 million ARPA-E award in 2024 further bolsters its position, supporting R&D for next-generation energy solutions.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its breakthrough, ION faces hurdles. Scaling production to meet multi-industry demand requires significant capital and operational precision. Competition from established lithium-ion manufacturers and other SSB startups, combined with potential U.S. trade restrictions, could complicate global expansion. On X, @ElectrekCo praised ION’s “safer, no-swell” batteries, while @BatteryTechX noted the challenge of “scaling without compromising quality.”
ION aims to ramp up production at its Beltsville facility, targeting full commercialization by 2027. The company plans to expand its sampling program, with aerospace and defense applications gaining traction alongside consumer electronics. Its sustainable, modular design positions it to meet the needs of an electrified world, from portable devices to grid storage.
Conclusion: A New Era for Battery Technology
ION Storage’s shipment of the first commercial solid-state battery samples marks a historic leap in energy storage innovation. By delivering compression-free, high-performance Cornerstone cells, ION is poised to redefine power solutions for consumer electronics, EVs, and beyond. As India strengthens its global tech influence and the U.S. navigates trade dynamics, ION’s breakthrough underscores the transformative potential of solid-state technology, heralding a safer, more efficient future for energy storage.
