CATL Is Collaborating on the Development of Electric Passenger Aircraft
On September 18th, CATL announced that they are currently collaborating on the development of a civilian electric passenger aircraft project. They are implementing aviation-grade standards and testing to meet aviation-level safety and quality requirements. Additionally, CATL will also launch an auto-grade application version of the Condensed Battery, which is expected to have mass production capability by the end of 2023.
On July 19th of this year, ShangFei Era (Shanghai) Airline Limited Company was jointly established by CATL, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Enterprise Development Group. The respective shareholding proportions of the three companies have not been disclosed yet. The registered capital of the company is 600 million yuan ($82.2 million). Its business scope includes civil aircraft maintenance, design and production of civil aircraft components, production of civil aircraft engines and propellers, as well as battery sales.
SEE ALSO: CATL Debuts Shenxing Battery in Europe: 10-Minute Charge, 400-Kilometer Range
On April 19th this year, CATL officially unveiled the Condensed Battery at Auto Shanghai. Wu Kai, Chief Scientist of CATL, revealed that CATL is collaborating on the development of a civilian electric passenger aircraft project using the Condensed Battery technology. The energy density of a single unit of the Condensed Battery can reach up to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, striking a balance between high specific energy and high safety. In comparison, mainstream ternary lithium batteries currently have an energy density of about 250 watt-hours per kilogram, while lithium iron phosphate batteries
According to CATL, Condensed Battery adopts high-power biomimetic condensed electrolyte, which can construct a micro-level adaptive network structure and regulate interchain interaction forces. While enhancing the stability of the microstructure, it improves battery kinetics and enhances lithium ion transport efficiency. Condensed Battery also integrates high specific energy positive electrode, new negative electrode, separator membrane, and other material systems.
