Liquefied Gas Electrolytes to Power Zero-Emission Vehicles
Summary
SCH Number
2025090434
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Liquefied Gas Electrolytes to Power Zero-Emission Vehicles
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/10/2025
Document Description
This project will design, deliver, and integrate a liquefied gas injection system to produce 2 cells per minute minimum (~11 megawatt-hours per year) through a novel non-hazardous Liquefied Gas (LiGas®) electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. The technology could improve zero-emission vehicle performance through higher safety and capability at a lower cost. This project will increase domestic battery supply chain security and clean energy jobs for LiGas electrolyte and cell manufacturing.
Contact Information
Name
Taiying Zhang
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Air Pollution Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
3030 Bunker Hill Street, Suite 102, San Diego, CA
Zip
92121
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regulations title 14, section 15301 and section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, section 15301 provides that the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use are exempt from CEQA.
South 8 Technologies currently leases space at the project site to perform laboratory research, and small-scale manufacturing of lithium ion batteries and electrolyte. This project will expand the manufacturing capability at the site. The project will install and operate distinct systems for lithium metal battery to expand manufacturing to low-rate production. The installation and demonstration will involve internal facility modifications such as relocation and installation of benchwork, electrical, and HVAC. The building is equipped with sufficient electrical needs, so no additional electrical supply to the building is required. All new equipment will be placed on existing concrete. No modifications will be made to the exterior of the building or grounds. The project therefore involves negligible expansion of existing or former use of the site. For these reasons this project will have no significant impact on the environment and is exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15301.
Cal. Code regs., tit. 14, section 15303 provides that the construction and location of limited number of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure are exempt from CEQA. The modifications to the existing site include demolition of walls, and relocation of electrical and plumbing. All new equipment will be installed on existing concrete. The result of these upgrades and additions of small new equipment will be to increase the manufacturing capability of lithium ion batteries and electrolyte. For these reasons, work under this project will have no significant impact on the environment and is exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15303.?
The project does not involve any unusual circumstances, will not result in damage to any scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway, none of the sites are included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. The project, when considered as a whole, will not result in a cumulative impact that is significant on the environment. Therefore, none of the exceptions to exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.