NCET Biz Tips: The “Lead is Dead” revolution is here to stay

There are big hurdles on the path to clean energy.
The looming challenge of evolving from fossil fuels to renewable energy faces the laws of physics, chemistry, and environmental and geopolitical hurdles.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing climate change or displacing petroleum with electrification. It was estimated in 2020 that our world depended on fossil fuels for 84% of its energy needs. Getting to the Holy Grail of net-zero emissions is a heavy lift.
There is one company based in Reno with cutting-edge technology that will enable the widespread conversion to green, renewable energy. That company is Dragonfly Energy, which will produce batteries in the not-too-distant future that solve today’s lead-acid problem. Dragonfly’s next-generation solid-state batteries will address tomorrow’s energy storage needs.
Dragonfly Energy was founded more than 10 years ago by Dr. Denis Phares. Dr. Phares always had a passion for both the environment and battery technology. He saw a unique opportunity to make a true impact on our planet by creating a company that could solve grid storage issues and the intermittency of renewable energy.
The Dragonfly Energy solution was based on the future of battery technology and a non-flammable solid-state battery. Rather than focusing on cell chemistry, Dragonfly set out to develop cleaner and less wasteful processes to create lithium-ion batteries.
Today, Dragonfly Energy is a leader in lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries. Unlike a traditional car battery, deep cycle batteries provide a long, steady stream of power when you need it and where you need it. Deep-cycle batteries make renewable energy accessible and affordable.
Under developmental lab testing now, Dragonfly’s revolutionary, non-toxic deep cycle lithium batteries will eventually displace lead acid batteries in vehicles, vessels, and material handling. Think RV industry, off-grid and marine applications, work trucks, off-grid and backup power for markets including Oil & Gas, Data Centers, Telecom, forklifts, golf carts, and industrial solar system applications. The list goes on.
Why did Dragonfly Energy select Reno as its key location? The answer lies within Nevada since our state is home to the largest lithium deposits in this country. Nevada is quickly becoming known as the lithium capital of the U.S. There’s a reason that a company like Tesla picked Nevada for its battery ‘Gigafactory.’
With Dragonfly Energy’s long-term vision of being vertically integrated (taking lithium mined right here in NV and putting it into battery cells Dragonfly manufactures), Reno was the perfect spot for Dragonfly. The number two reason is Reno is a central distribution hub capable of delivering products to all western cities within 24 hours.
What many don’t know is that Dragonfly has over 180 employees. The skill sets range from gifted battery scientists in R&D working on the future of batteries to an experienced engineering team developing automation for new projects. Coupled with a creative marketing team that has built a powerful brand recognition and reputation behind its Battle Born Battery and Dragonfly OEM battery lines, Dragonfly boasts one of the best technical and customer support staff in the industry.
Success stories, anyone? Dragonfly has them. Here are just two. The company went public and commenced trading on Nasdaq in October 2022. In December 2022, the company was granted a new U.S. patent making way for solid-state battery production.
The latter success is a big deal since all solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are produced with solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes. Liquid electrolyte is mainly responsible for the battery fires we read about. ASSBs are lighter, smaller, completely non-flammable, and if mass-produced, potentially cheaper.
Challenges? No company is immune. For Dragonfly to integrate vertically in Nevada, they need support. That support must come from the state to ensure Dragonfly can bring in all the resources and infrastructure needed to truly make Nevada the lithium capital of the U.S. A lithium processing facility is the most significant missing piece in that pipeline today.
Overcoming those challenges is no easy task. Dragonfly continues to work on its side of the battery pipeline as they move towards growing its pack assembly business to a cell manufacturing business. In addition, the company continues to develop relationships and work with organizations to raise awareness of the needs of the growing battery industry here in Nevada.
What questions do people often ask about Dragonfly Energy? The most asked question is, “What’s the difference between you and Battle Born Batteries?” Dragonfly Energy is the parent company and manufactures the popular Battle Born Batteries line.
Dragonfly Energy is spearheading conventional and solid-state lithium-ion battery research and development worldwide. Their products are already used for powering and charging devices and appliances, low-density mobility, and high-grade energy storage. Their batteries are ideally suited for applications where stability, longevity, and safety are a priority.
Dragonfly Energy believes they have found a way to reduce the cost of green energy storage, making it more widely accessible to all. While this is one step in the right direction, they imagine a future where Dragonfly’s smart storage solutions will allow less reliance on the power grid and ample access to backup power for distributing energy.
Energy storage has the potential to change the way we live. So power up and sign up early for Dragonfly Energy’s presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and networking from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information at NCET.org.
Bill Leonard is VP of Communications at NCET and a freelance copywriter of conversion-driven customer case studies for B2B and B2C companies. Connect with Bill at BillLeonardCreative.com. NCET produces education and networking events to help people explore business and technology.