Magnus™: An advanced battery platform built for the next generation of electrification.

Magnus uses the same US-sourced, commercially available nickel-chemistry lithium-ion cells as conventional battery systems. The difference is everything built around them. Conventional designs spend roughly half their total weight on non-energy-storing components. Magnus eliminates that mass through a thermo-structural body manufactured from MgCarbonit™, Estes' proprietary magnesium alloy, delivering 225 Wh/kg compared to the crowded field of conventional systems at 170 to 190 Wh/kg (assuming cell equivalency). Same battery cell, radically different system.

Magnus™ is offered in three voltage classes: Magnus LV (48V/100V), Magnus (400V/800V), and Magnus+ (500V/1000V), across up to three form factors (Magnus I, II, and III) which can be matched to the OEM's application. All variants share the same MgCarbonit thermo-structural body and Estes manufacturing and magnesium tech stack. All Magnus™ battery packs operate at full system voltage, enabling a fully scalable system for vehicles of any size. For heavy industrial applications, the Magnus III pack can be configured as 1200V, and Magnus+ III can be configured as a 1500V system.

Yes. Magnus+ III is ideal for modern Class 8 chassis integration which demand higher operating voltages (1000 VDC class) and the pinnacle of energy density, combined with heavy-cycle capability. Each Magnus+ III pack measures 1480×590×708 mm, compatible with mounting inboard and outboard of standard Class 8 truck frame rails across ultra-short, standard, and extended wheelbases – without frame modification. A three-pack system delivers 700 kWh at only 3,100 kg, enabling OEMs to achieve mass parity with their legacy diesel-powered solutions, saving over 1000kg in mass from competitive Class 8 BEV products on the market.

Estes' upcoming Magnus variants will use next-generation battery cells within the same MgCarbonit™ thermo-structural body. Magnus Iron (LFP, targeted 2028) delivers lower cost per kWh from a fully domestic cell supply chain for applications where cycle life and total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) drive procurement. Magnus Silicon (silicon-rich anode, targeted 2028) targets 280+ Wh/kg for applications that need a higher-energy density cell to close a tight mass budget and may not need the extended cycle life of NMC or LFP. Customer commitments for these alternate chemistries follow domestic cell supply confirmation (currently in progress).

Estes has entered rail, marine, and on-highway through signed development agreements with customers in each segment, deliberately chosen for what they demand of a battery platform. In rail, Magnus™ is under development for a battery-electric train program where energy density requirements have historically made battery-only operation impractical on longer routes. In marine, Magnus™ is under development for a high-utilization electric craft where full-lift duty cycles place demands on energy density and pack longevity that conventional battery systems cannot meet. In on-highway, Magnus™ addresses what is arguably the single largest remaining mass reduction opportunity in the vehicle, the battery pack itself. Each represents a segment where the performance gap between what conventional battery systems can deliver and what the application requires is large enough that Magnus™ is enabling something that was not previously possible.