Sila Nanotechnologies Batteries Powering WHOOP Wearables

Sila Nanotechnologies' Battery Technology Debuts in Whoop Fitness Tracker

Sila Nanotechnologies’ advanced battery technology has reached a significant milestone with its commercial launch in the new Whoop fitness tracker. This debut represents the culmination of ten years of research and development by the Silicon Valley-based company.

The core objective throughout this period has been to overcome the challenges of increasing energy density within a battery cell while simultaneously reducing production costs.

The Pursuit of Enhanced Battery Chemistry

Over recent years, substantial investment has been directed towards improving battery chemistry. Numerous startups are focused on replacing either the anode or cathode with alternative materials, such as silicon or even lithium in the context of solid-state battery development.

Sila Nano distinguishes itself by substituting graphite in the battery cell’s anode with silicon. This innovative approach results in a battery pack that is both more energy-dense and more cost-effective. Other firms, like BASF, are concentrating on developing high energy density cathodes.

A Potential Shift in Battery Technology

Despite extensive research, alternative battery chemistries have yet to displace the established lithium-ion technology prevalent in today’s devices. However, the Sila battery integrated into the upcoming Whoop 4.0 could signify the first instance in decades of a next-generation battery chemistry being commercially available.

Gene Berdichevsky, founder and CEO of Sila Nano, stated that launching with a fitness tracker is a crucial first step. He believes this will demonstrate the technology’s viability and ultimately facilitate the electrification of a wide range of applications.

Expanding into the Electric Vehicle Market

Electric vehicles represent a primary target for Sila Nano’s technology. The company has already established joint ventures with both BMW and Daimler to manufacture batteries incorporating its silicon-anode technology.

The aim is to introduce these batteries into the automotive industry by 2025.

Berdichevsky suggests that this technology will enable the creation of smaller EVs with extended ranges. Currently, longer-range EVs often require larger vehicle sizes to accommodate the battery pack.

Whoop 4.0: A Showcase for Sila’s Innovation

Whoop, having recently secured $200 million in funding at a $3.6 billion valuation, is launching the Whoop 4.0. This wearable device is 33% smaller, largely due to Sila’s battery, which boasts approximately 17% greater energy density.

This improved battery performance has allowed Whoop to integrate additional features – including a sleep coach with haptic alerts, a pulse oximeter, a skin temperature sensor, and a comprehensive health monitor – without compromising the device’s five-day battery life.

Berdichevsky emphasizes that enabling new chemistries allows for the creation of products that were previously unattainable.

Introducing Any-Wear Technology

The advancements facilitated by Sila’s battery extend to Whoop’s new Any-Wear technology. This allows the wearable sensors to be seamlessly integrated into various garments, such as bands designed to collect data from the torso, waist, and calf.

Scalability: A Key to Success

Beyond the chemistry itself, the scalability of Sila’s production process is critical. Scalability has been a central focus of the company’s strategy from its inception.

Early on, the company mandated the use of readily available, globally sourced materials to ensure sufficient supply for large-scale production, potentially reaching millions of vehicles.

Furthermore, Sila Nano prioritized the implementation of “bulk manufacturing” techniques, utilizing volumetric reactors instead of planar reactors.

Volumetric vs. Planar Reactors

To illustrate the difference, Berdichevsky uses the analogy of food preparation: a large pot of chili (volumetric reactor) can feed a much larger crowd than individual pizza pies (planar reactors).

The team was also instructed to develop a process that could be seamlessly integrated into existing battery manufacturing facilities, regardless of whether they produce batteries for smartphones, cars, or drones.

Scaling Up Production

Sila Nano has already demonstrated scalability twice. The first instance involved a 100x increase in production from the lab to a pilot stage, utilizing volumetric reactors initially around one liter in size.

The partnership with Whoop represents the second 100x scale-up, now employing 5,000-liter reactors. These reactors are substantial enough to potentially accommodate a couple of people.

The next phase of scaling will involve even larger reactors, capable of accommodating a vehicle, aligning with Sila Nano’s objective of scaling up to automotive quantities within the next three years.

Berdichevsky clarifies that the underlying material remains consistent across all scales of production, ensuring a smooth transition to larger volumes.