Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), has announced the development of a battery that can be used in electric aircraft. The battery, which has an energy density of 500 VTh/kg, was unveiled at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, where CATL claimed that mass production of the technology will begin later this year.
The new battery has achieved such a high density by using condensed substances and advanced materials that conduct energy more efficiently. Specifically, high-enhyting biomimetic condensed electrolytes create a tiny mesh structure of the micron-level, while the battery also includes new anode and separator materials, as well as cathode materials with ultra-high energy density. This technology allows for lightweight, high-safety battery systems that have a high level of effectiveness in transporting energy.
CATL has partnered with other companies for testing and developing the battery for use in aviation. Meanwhile, a car version is planned for serial production later this year. This new battery is an upgrade from CATL’s previous development, the QILIN battery, which had a density of 255 VTh/kg.
Energy density is an important consideration for batteries, as lighter batteries are better for electric cars and trucks, and even more crucial for aircrafts that require less weight to take off. Currently, most lithium-ion batteries have a typical energy density from 260 to 270 VTh/kg. CATL’s new battery is a significant step forward in battery technology and brings the world closer to a new electrification scenario.