July 24 (Reuters) - UK battery startup Nexeon will supply high-energy silicon anode material to Panasonic’s (6752.T) newest U.S. plant starting in 2025, the companies said on Monday. The use of silicon-rich anodes will enable Panasonic battery cells to store more energy and charge more quickly, the companies said. The greater energy density also gives Panasonic the option of making smaller, lighter packs with similar range to current battery cells. Abingdon-based Nexeon will supply the material to Panasonic Energy Co’s $4 billion De Soto, Kansas plant, which is slated to open in early 2025. Founded in 2006, Nexeon has raised more than $260 million and was most recently valued at $350 million, according to investor website PitchBook.com.

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Persons: Sila Nanotechnologies, Nexeon, Group14, Sila, Mercedes, Paul Lienert, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Panasonic, Panasonic Energy, De, Korea’s SK Group, Porsche, SK, BASF, Mercedes, Benz, Siemens, Samsung, Thomson Locations: U.S, Abingdon, De Soto , Kansas, Woodinville , Washington, Alameda , California, Detroit