Sila has officially opened its first large-scale silicon anode factory in Moses Lake, Washington, marking a significant milestone in U.S. battery manufacturing. The facility is designed to produce enough materials for 20,000 to 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) initially, with plans for future expansion to meet the needs of up to 2.5 million vehicles. Silicon anodes, which Sila has developed over 14 years, promise to enhance the energy density of lithium-ion batteries by as much as 50%. The factory's location benefits from low-cost hydropower and proximity to essential raw materials. Sila has secured contracts with major companies like Panasonic and Mercedes, while also catering to drone and consumer electronics manufacturers. The startup aims to provide a competitive alternative to graphite anodes, potentially lowering costs and improving performance for EV manufacturers. Sila's CEO emphasizes the importance of domestic production in maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the global battery market.