How I Built This with Guy Raz Supercharging Lithium-Ion Batteries with Gene Berdichevsky of Sila Nanotechnologies
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Mar 7, 2024 
Gene Berdichevsky, co-founder and CEO of Sila Nanotechnologies, is on a mission to revolutionize lithium-ion batteries. He reveals how his team's innovations could boost battery efficiency by 40%, paving the way for cheaper, faster-recharging electric vehicles. Gene shares insights from his journey, including challenges faced in improving energy density and the shift from graphite to silicon anodes. He emphasizes the impact of sustainable battery technology not just on gadgets but on a future with cleaner energy solutions.
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From Nuclear Submarines to Solar Cars
- Gene Berdichevsky's parents were nuclear submarine engineers in the Soviet Union before becoming software engineers in the US.
- He worked on a solar car project at Stanford, driving it from Chicago to LA at speeds up to 86 mph.
Joining Tesla
- Inspired by his solar car project, Gene wrote a business case for electric sports cars with 300-mile range.
- This led him to join Tesla in 2004, where he worked on battery development.
Energy Density is Key
- Gene realized that improving battery energy density is key to making EVs cheaper, not just for longer range.
- Higher energy density means fewer cells, leading to reduced manufacturing costs.