South 8 Technologies, a San Diego-based innovator redefining lithium-ion battery performance with its patented LiGas technology, today announced it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with CTNS, a pioneering battery solutions provider from South Korea with North American operations in Redmond, Washington. The LOI establishes a framework for strategic collaboration between the companies and identifies initial joint customers.

The agreement signals a shared commitment to explore opportunities for joint development, integration, and commercialization of next-generation safe, reliable, and high-performing lithium-ion battery pack systems that can address critical challenges across applications in demanding environments.

"At South 8, we are collaborating with forward-thinking battery pack designers who are ready to deploy LiGas battery cells in areas where today’s solutions fall short," said Rusty Heffner, Vice President of Strategy of South 8 Technologies. "Signing this Letter of Intent with CTNS represents an important step toward aligning our complementary strengths to serve battery customers whose solutions must operate in extreme conditions."

"CTNS is dedicated to working with innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible," said Han Ko, CEO of CTNS North America and Managing Director of Global Business. "This LOI lays the foundation for a relationship that will deliver meaningful advancements to our global customers and industries, combining South 8’s cutting-edge LiGas technology with CTNS’ proven expertise in advanced battery pack design and integration.”

CTNS and South 8 will develop battery packs using LiGas battery cells for joint customers in the defense and aerospace industries in North America, South Korea and additional global markets. The CTNS battery packs, using South 8 LiGas cells, will provide superior safety, extreme temperature performance, and state-of-health (SOH) monitoring capabilities compared to conventional battery packs. CTNS and South 8 are working together to optimize CTNS’ battery pack designs to take full advantage of the South 8 LiGas cells’ cold weather discharging and recharging capabilities as well as improved safety characteristics. Their collaboration is guided by the urgent needs of defense and aerospace customers, demanding improved battery performance in climates with temperatures as low as -40°F.