3ME Technology and South 8 Technologies Sign Letter of Intent to Advance Extreme Cold‑Weather Battery Solutions for Defense

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--South 8 Technologies, a San Diego-based innovator redefining lithium-ion battery performance with its patented LiGas® cell technology, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with 3ME Technology, an Australian‑owned specialist in ultra‑safe lithium‑ion battery systems for defense, mining and maritime operations, to collaborate on the development of next‑generation lithium‑ion battery solutions designed for extreme cold‑weather and Arctic defense operations.

The LOI establishes a framework to integrate South 8’s LiGas-enabled cells into 3ME’s EdgeVOLT™ Cold Weather Variant battery solution, while also exploring broader product opportunities. The collaboration targets defense applications requiring reliable, ultra-safe, portable power in austere environments.

Under the agreement, South 8 will supply LiGas battery cells at production scale, which enable operation between ‑60 °C (-76 °F) and +60 °C (140 °F), and 3ME will integrate them into its EdgeVOLT battery solution. The battery systems are expected to be deployed in extreme environments, including sustained Arctic conditions. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which suffer significant energy loss and increased safety risks in sub-zero climates, LiGas technology enables reliable discharge and recharge across a wide operating range, addressing critical gaps in mission endurance, communications reliability, and silent watch capability.

“3ME is at the forefront of defense and mobile power electrification,” said Justin Bain, CEO of 3ME Technology. “We are seeing a clear shift in defense posture toward operations in colder and more extreme environments. Our EdgeVOLT systems are already supporting warfighters with deployable power where reliability is critical, and this collaboration with South 8 positions us to accelerate the development of an extreme cold‑weather battery capability that sets a new benchmark for safety and performance.”

"This LOI reflects a shared commitment to advancing energy storage for the most demanding operating conditions across the ANZUS, AUKUS, and NATO alliances.” said Jungwoo Lee, CEO of South 8. “LiGas enables a new level of cold-weather performance, and we look forward to unlocking next-generation capabilities across critical defense and commercial platforms alongside 3ME.”

Under this LOI, 3ME and South 8 will explore joint development and commercialization opportunities leveraging South 8 LiGas cells’ wide temperature operating range to deliver deployable, mission-ready power solutions aligned with evolving defense requirements.

About 3ME Technology

3ME Technology is an Australian‑owned specialist in ultra‑safe lithium‑ion battery and electric drive systems for mission‑critical defense, mining and maritime operations. 3ME delivers ruggedized energy storage and traction/propulsion solutions engineered for safety, durability and long service life. With in‑house Australian design, testing and manufacturing, 3ME Technology provides end‑to‑end electrification—from battery systems and electric drive integration through to validation and certification—building sovereign capability and enabling cleaner, safer and more resilient operations.

https://3me.technology/

About South 8 Technologies

Based in San Diego, California, South 8 Technologies is pioneering the world’s first liquefied gas electrolyte (LiGas®) for lithium-ion batteries. LiGas cells enable high-performance operation across an unprecedented temperature range (-60 to +60 °C), unlocking applications in defense, aerospace, and electrified transportation. South 8 manufactures finished battery cells with cutting-edge electrochemical performance. With superior reliability, unmatched versatility, and the ability to operate where conventional batteries cannot, South 8 is redefining the standards of lithium-ion technology and opening new frontiers for industries in the most demanding environments.

www.south8.com