California Energy Commission Celebrates American Lithium Energy Factory Opening as Part of California’s Investments in Clean Energy Innovation

For Immediate Release: October 2, 2026

VISTA — The California Energy Commission (CEC) celebrated the opening of American Lithium Energy (ALE)’s newly expanded mega factory on Friday, making it one of the largest lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in the country. The factory expansion, which was supported in part by grants from the CEC, is another example of California’s leadership in clean energy innovation and manufacturing.

The factory, which grew from 23,000 square feet to 82,000 square feet, will help accelerate domestic lithium-ion battery manufacturing in California to support the technology, energy needs, and economy of the future.

“This state-of-the-art facility will further cement California as the leader in developing zero-emission transportation solutions,” said CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo. “It’s right for our climate, economy, and workforce.”

“ALE’s cutting-edge battery solutions are powering critical land, air, sea, and space innovations. We can meet that growing demand while bringing valuable manufacturing and engineering jobs to California,” said Dr. Jiang Fan, founder and president of ALE.

As California celebrates Manufacturing Month in October, ALE’s new facility represents a crown jewel in the state’s manufacturing portfolio. The Golden State, which is the fourth-largest economy in the world, is the undisputed leader in American manufacturing, creating more jobs and contributing more to the nation’s GDP than any other state, with more than 1.2 million workers and 44,000 manufacturers.

ALE has been developing and manufacturing high-performance lithium-ion batteries since 2006, including its proprietary nano Si 18650 cell. It can now significantly scale production of the 18650 cells and fully automate its manufacturing process via a low-rate initial production pilot line.

The 18650 cell is high-density, safer, and can operate at extreme temperatures. It is already powering low-Earth orbit satellites and hybrid aircraft, achieving two hours of electric flight. The cells also power unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs), wearables for soldiers in the field, robotics, and high-value energy storage. Being mission-critical grade, the cells are also ultra-long-lasting.

The new factory was supported by two grants totaling more than $13 million from the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program (CTP) and Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) to expand electric vehicle battery cell production and pilot production of high-capacity silicon-anode prismatic batteries.

The EPIC-funded low-rate initial production pilot line serves to de-risk and validate the innovative silicon-anode batteries to achieve 30 percent greater capacity and enhanced safety. This same recipe is now being scaled on the CTP-funded mega line to deliver lower costs and a more reliable grid for California ratepayers.

“Private-public partnerships are essential to continue California’s leadership in innovation and growth in manufacturing,” said William Hadala, chief strategy officer for ALE. “The return on investment from the state dollars is real. It helped us build our new factory. It also helped us secure an additional $40 to $50 million from private and federal sources.”

ALE now employs 150 to 200 people in San Diego County, an important hub for defense and aerospace.

The ceremony, which included a tour, drew a crowd of more than 100, representing federal, state, and local governments, and defense industry officials. Speakers included Dr. Fan, Commissioner Gallardo, and Vista Mayor John Franklin.

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About the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.

About American Lithium Energy Corp
Founded in 2006, ALE is a U.S.-based manufacturer of cutting-edge battery solutions. From its Carlsbad, CA and Vista, CA manufacturing facilities, ALE produces industry-leading cells, including the revolutionary 100C battery, and is expanding capacity to meet a growing order book. ALE utilizes its more than 120 patents to deliver tailored cell designs and engineering expertise. ALE’s cells can be found powering satellites, critical defense systems, and a diverse set of industrial and medical applications.

Please visit American Lithium Energy Corp for more information and its advanced battery technologies.

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