Michigan-based startup company Our Next Energy (ONE) has launched an anode-less battery pack. The cell is also claimed to cost up to 50% less than normal while offering a driving range of up to 600 miles (965 km).

Founder and chief executive Mujeeb Ijaz said in an interview that the 20-gigawatt Gemini pack is expected to be produced in a US manufacturing plant by 2026.

Other battery companies are developing anode-free designs, but ONE's Gemini battery appears to be unique in that it uses cells with two different cell chemistries, including one for everyday driving and a second to extend the driving range on longer trips.

The secret sauce is in Gemini's large-format range-extender cells. While the standard cells use relatively conventional lithium iron phosphate cathodes and graphite anodes, the range-extender cells are anode-free, which eliminates the use of graphite and anode-making equipment.

The cathodes are designed to use a unique blend of lithium and manganese and a much lower percentage of nickel, while eliminating cobalt, according to Ijaz.

While the lithium-rich manganese nickel cathodes are still being refined, the current version of the range-extender cells uses cathodes made of nickel, cobalt and manganese.

By eliminating the anode in those cells, ONE says it can slice the cell cost in mass production by $50 per kilowatt-hour — significant savings over current costs estimated at $100-$110 per kWh.

"Our goal is to launch the Gemini battery in 2026 with zero cobalt and 26% nickel or less, using manganese as the primary cathode material," the CEO said.

ONE's Gemini battery will be displayed on Sept. 13-15 at The Battery Show in Novi, Michigan.