Gene Berdichevsky, the co-founder and CEO of Sila, is leading one of the most dramatic changes in battery technology seen in years. Berdichevsky received a PhD in environmental science, policy and management from the University of California, Berkeley. He has a BA in environmental studies, English, and biology from St. Olaf College, which has aided him in developing a strong foundation of scientific principles and environmental stewardship in his work.
Sila has recently been generating significant buzz in the tech world for their production of silicon anode materials for use in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Berdichevsky recognizes that the future of mobile devices depends on getting metal can batteries adopted. These batteries increase energy density and maximize form factor in hit products including Apple’s recently launched iPhone Air.
Berdichevsky emphatically asserts that as cool as these innovative batteries are, they have a high price to pay. He argues that the positives far exceed the negatives. He noted that this design allows Apple to maximize the limited space of devices, facilitating a more efficient energy storage solution.
“You can now build batteries in any two-dimensional shape you want,” Berdichevsky stated. This flexibility in design is not simply an option for today’s modern electronics where space constraints are often a performance capability torque wrench.
These minor advancements in battery technology, most notably with pure silicon anodes, have had extremely positive results. Innovation Increases Storage QuantumScape’s superconductive anodes can store about 50% more energy than conventional graphite anodes, according to Berdichevsky. If successful, this technological advance would change the way electronic devices function, allowing for longer times between charges and even greater efficiency.
It allows us to explore the performance boundaries further. While we’ve always had these trade-offs, we need to navigate the coming tide. You’re passing enough to just get away with doing that, but you can lean on a little harder. It’s pretty revolutionary,” he explained.
Berdichevsky’s vision extends beyond consumer electronics as Sila prepares to produce materials for electric vehicles, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation in sustainable technology. So he hasn’t just read about the battery cells being developed in Asia—he’s seen them up close. This experience gave him unique insight that would later influence Sila’s product development.
Looking to the future and reflecting on the history of battery design, Berdichevsky condemned the use of old paradigms. “If you’re bringing [a new battery design] online, you kind of go, ‘You know what? Let’s use yesterday’s chemistry,’” he remarked. This holistic view is reflective of his notion that real change will not happen without getting away from the status quo.
Berdichevsky’s excitement for what modern advances in battery technology could mean is palpable, especially as he starts to describe these batteries’ unusual forms. “You look at the shape, and it’s pretty amazing,” he said, highlighting how creativity and engineering intersect to create products that meet consumer demands while addressing environmental concerns.
Pioneers like Sila are leading the way to create these advanced battery materials. Berdichevsky is optimistic about the difference these innovations are going to make in the industry. He’s hopeful that additional manufacturers will begin producing metal can batteries in the future. This change will result in stronger performance and more energy savings for consumers.
