Topic #: CW26-T07 · Branch: DOE · Status: Open
Rechargeable batteries (primarily Li-ion) have demonstrated utility in an expanding number of commercial and defense applications in recent years. Battery technology, manufacturing, and critical mineral supply chains are closely aligned regardless of use case; therefore, further innovation to improve battery performance and cost and secure U.S. battery supply chains in the consumer sector is key to supporting cutting-edge defense capabilities.
Posted: 10/30/2026 · Opens: 10/30/2026
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Rechargeable batteries (primarily Li-ion) have demonstrated utility in an expanding number of commercial and defense applications in recent years. Battery technology, manufacturing, and critical mineral supply chains are closely aligned regardless of use case; therefore, further innovation to improve battery performance and cost and secure U.S. battery supply chains in the consumer sector is key to supporting cutting-edge defense capabilities.
This topic seeks cell-level demonstration of innovative secondary batteries with near-term prospects for commercial use (e.g., consumer electronics, transportation, battery backup unit/grid storage) and justification of defense-related use (e.g., UAS, UUV, soldier-carried systems).
Goals and Metrics All must be included to be considered responsive. • Focus: improved materials, components, electrodes, cell design implemented in full cell. • Commercialization plan addresses risks and challenges manufacturing, scale-up, and supply chain considerations and how these can be mitigated or overcome, including NDAA compliance, for the chosen commercial and military market/application. Letters of support are highly desirable. • Discusses suitability/ease of adaptation of technology to dual use, including cell form factor, safety, and performance (energy density, rate, temperature range, cycle life). • Electrochemical test data must include details of temperature, applied pressure, cycling rate, AAM/CAM, electrode loading, V range, and cell size and format. • Planned deliverables: at least 5 cells for each Phase I ≥200 mAh; Phase II ≥2 Ah cells for third-party testing at Idaho National Laboratory. • Deliverables will meet Column A in table; justify meeting Column B in scaled-up form (i.e., large-format pouch, including fixturing, or prismatic) with model. • Proposed battery technologies should meet or exceed all these minimum standards: Minimum Performance Value
Characteristic (Cell-level) Column A - Cell Deliverable at End of Phase II Column B -Capability in Scaled-Up Cell
Specific energy* (Wh/kg) 250 400
Energy density (Wh/L 500 800
Peak power density (W/kg) 500 800
Cycle life** 250 1,000
*Specific energy measured at C/2; **Cycle life for 1C discharge, C/2 charge, 80% initial capacity and power
Not of Interest Non-responsive: technologies incapable of meeting all thresholds set above and those far from commercial realization.