The U.S. Department of Energy did not announce an outright purchase of Lithium Americas shares. Under revised federal loan terms announced September 30, 2025, DOE received warrants for 5% of the company and a separate warrant for a 5% economic interest in the Thacker Pass joint venture with General Motors. The company’s June 2026 filing said neither warrant had been exercised as of August 12, 2026.
What did the U.S. government receive?
DOE’s revised financing terms cover two distinct interests, both structured as warrants—not an immediate transfer of shares or project ownership. DOE described the warrants as part of the loan’s collateral package and said they were intended to reduce repayment risk for taxpayers. DOE’s September 30, 2025 announcement explains the agency’s stated rationale; it does not independently establish that the loan will be repaid or that the project will meet its targets.
| Underlying interest | Warrant | Status and key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium Americas Corp. | Warrant representing 5% equity ownership in the company, as announced by DOE | Unexercised as of August 12, 2026, according to the company’s filing. It is not the same as DOE already holding 5% of the company’s shares. |
| Thacker Pass joint venture | Separate warrant for a 5% economic interest in the joint venture; the company filing describes it as non-voting | Unexercised as of August 12, 2026. It is separate from the company-level warrant and should not be treated as an additional 5% of Lithium Americas shares. |
The two warrants are therefore not a single, already-owned “10% stake.” They relate to different entities and rights. The company’s reported joint-venture ownership remained 62% for Lithium Americas and 38% for GM as of June 30, 2026. The filing does not report DOE as having exercised its JV warrant.
Why are the warrants part of a federal loan?
The arrangement is tied to DOE financing for Thacker Pass, not a standalone government stock investment. The loan agreement with Lithium Americas subsidiary Lithium Nevada originated in October 2024; the revised terms followed in October 2025. DOE said the warrants were included in the broader collateral package to lower the risk of non-repayment to taxpayers.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Energizer Double A Lithium batteries are the world's longest lasting AA batteries.
- These AA Energizer batteries power your most critical devices, great for smart home devices, outdoor surveillance systems, digital cameras, Blink outdoor cameras, and handheld games
- An Ultimate Lithium battery can hold power up to 25 years in storage for trustworthy backup energy, so you are always prepared
- Energizer lithium AA batteries are made with leak-proof construction to help protect devices (based on standard use)
- AA lithium batteries can perform in extreme temperatures from -40F to 140°F for year-round, indoor and outdoor use
In its June 2026 quarterly filing, Lithium Americas reported an expected total loan amount of $2.23 billion after the amendment, made up of $1.97 billion in principal plus estimated capitalized interest. The company reported that $1.209 billion had been advanced through June 30, 2026. These are loan figures, not the price of a 5% share purchase. Read the company’s SEC filing.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright framed the deal as supporting domestic critical-mineral supply chains and taxpayer stewardship, saying: “Today’s announcement helps reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals by strengthening domestic supply chains and ensures better stewardship of American taxpayer dollars.” That is the administration’s stated rationale, rather than proof that the project will achieve those outcomes.
Rank #2
- 8 pack of Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries
- Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries are the world's longest lasting AA batteries
- Performs in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees F to 140 degrees F to ensure reliable use in all seasons
- These double A batteries are leak proof batteries, guaranteed based on standard use
- Lightweight household batteries last up to 25 years in storage
How does GM fit into the ownership?
GM’s 38% interest in the Thacker Pass joint venture predates DOE’s warrant. Lithium Americas reported that GM provided $625 million in cash and letters of credit for its asset-level interest, and the two companies have long-term offtake arrangements for Phase 1 and Phase 2. As of June 30, 2026, Lithium Americas held the other 62% of the joint venture. Those are the disclosed ownership percentages; the separate DOE warrant had not been exercised by the date stated in the filing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is being built at Thacker Pass?
Thacker Pass is a lithium mine and lithium carbonate processing project in Humboldt County, Nevada. Lithium Americas says Phase 1 is designed for nominal capacity of 40,000 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate per year. The company’s May 2026 release targeted mechanical completion in late 2027. These are planned capacity and schedule figures, not current production or a guarantee of completion. The DOE project page provides federal project context.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- 【Product Overview】Designed for deep cycle energy storage applications, SUPER EMPOWER LiFePO₄ batteries provide reliable power for RV, marine, trolling motor, and off-grid systems, featuring premium LiFePO₄ cells and an integrated BMS for protection against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, short circuit, and temperature extremes; ideal for auxiliary and house power needs in mobile and outdoor setups, ensuring stable and long-lasting performance. Designed for energy storage use only, this battery is not suitable for engine starting or cranking applications.
- The 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery uses Grade A cells with high energy density and reliable deep cycle performance. Designed for RV, marine, solar, and off-grid energy storage applications, it provides stable power for daily use. The built-in 100A BMS intelligently manages charging, discharging, current, and temperature conditions while helping protect against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, short circuit, and temperature-related issues.
- 【Drop-in Replacement for Lead-Acid Batteries】 Dimensions: 6.49"D x 10.24"W x 8.98"H, Weight: 21.6 lbs. With a BCI Group 24 size and M8 terminals, it fits seamlessly into most standard battery boxes without modifications. The 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery from SUPER EMPOWER is a true drop-in replacement for traditional lead-acid, AGM, or SLA batteries, making it ideal for RV, boat, or solar applications. Simply install and enjoy a longer-lasting, more efficient power source.
- 【3 Professional Charging Options】 Use a 12V LiFePO₄ charger (14.4±14.6V, CC/CV profile) for best results. Compatible with solar systems via MPPT/PWM controllers set to lithium mode. Generator charging is supported when paired with a lithium charger or DC-DC charger. Non-lithium chargers are not recommended. Charging is disabled below 32°F (0°C) by BMS protection.
- 【Low-Temperature Charging Function】Charging pauses automatically below 0°C (32°F) and discharge stops at –20°C (–4°F), resuming above 5°C (41°F). This function supports stable operation in cold-weather conditions for RV setups, 12V vehicle auxiliary power, marine applications, and off-grid systems operating in low temperatures.
The company’s SEC filing and project statements are forward-looking: construction, financing, timing, and output can change. The cited records describe a project under construction, not an operating mine with achieved production.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Advanced Smart BMS & All-Weather Safety】Equipped with an upgraded 100A Smart BMS, our battery provides comprehensive protection against overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, and short circuits. Unlike standard lithium batteries, it features automatic low-temperature cut-off, preventing charging below 32°F (0°C) to avoid cell damage. Built with stable LiFePO4 chemistry, it eliminates the risk of thermal runaway, ensuring maximum safety for your RV, boat, or home energy system in any season.
- 【Ultra-Lightweight & Perfect Group 31 Fit】Weighing only 24 lbs—70% lighter than comparable lead-acid batteries—this 12V 100Ah battery makes installation and transport effortless. Its compact dimensions (12.9" x 6.7" x 8.5") are a precise drop-in replacement for BCI Group 31 battery boxes. Ideal for upgrading marine trolling motors, RV house banks, or golf carts without modifying existing compartments. Enjoy maintenance-free power with no acid refilling or corrosion worries.
- 【15,000+ Cycles & 10-Year Lifespan】Invest once, save forever. Our premium Grade-A LiFePO4 cells deliver 15,000+ deep cycle life at 60% DOD and over 8,000 cycles at 80% DOD, lasting 10x longer than traditional lead-acid batteries. With a 10-year service life, this battery drastically reduces your long-term cost per cycle. Whether for daily solar storage or weekend camping, it maintains consistent voltage output until fully depleted, unlike lead-acid batteries that dim as they drain.
- 【Fast Charging & Flexible Energy Expansion】Recharge 3x faster than lead-acid options with zero memory effect. Fully charge in just 5 hours using a 14.6V 20A LiFePO4 charger, solar panels, or alternator. Designed for scalability, connect up to 4S4P (4 in series, 4 in parallel) to build massive systems up to 51.2V and 400Ah. Perfect for DIY off-grid solar setups, whole-home backup, or powering high-draw devices like CPAP machines, electric wheelchairs, and outdoor power stations.
- 【Reliable Power for Critical Applications】Engineered for stability in extreme conditions, operating reliably from -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) during discharge. Delivers 100% rated capacity even under high loads, making it the trusted choice for saltwater fishing boats, off-road vans, and emergency home UPS. Backed by our dedicated US-based support team, we provide a 24-hour response guarantee for any technical questions or warranty claims, ensuring your power never fails when you need it most.
What investors and taxpayers should take from the deal
- For shareholders: DOE’s announced company-level interest is a warrant for 5% equity ownership, not evidence that the government already owns that percentage of outstanding shares. The filing says it remained unexercised through August 12, 2026.
- For the project: The second warrant concerns a 5% economic interest in the Thacker Pass joint venture and is described in the filing as non-voting. It is distinct from both the company warrant and GM’s existing 38% project interest.
- For taxpayers: DOE says the warrants are one element of collateral intended to reduce loan repayment risk. They do not establish that the loan is risk-free or that the mine will meet its schedule and production plans.
- For anyone following status: The latest reviewed company filing covers the quarter ended June 30, 2026, and states warrant status through August 12, 2026. It does not establish whether a later event changed that status.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
