New super battery with twice the energy density to power electric aircraft

The new "Condensed Battery" from CATL – one of the largest Chinese manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries – has an enormous energy density of 500 watt hours per kilogram and was specially developed for electric aircraft. However, the new batteries are also in the pipeline for the automotive industry.

At cell level, the lithium-ion-based energy carrier has an energy density of 500 watt hours per kilogram. They will initially be used in airplanes and later in electric cars. However, the planned prices and the chemistry behind the super battery are not yet known. What is known, however, is that the CATL battery is set to go into series production in 2023.

The new process uses biomimetic electrolytes in a condensed state. This should ensure a self-adapting, stable structure for even more efficient transportation of the lithium ions. Exact details are still unknown, but CATL is said to be relying on semi-solid-state technology.

Thanks to the high energy density, battery-powered flying could be brought a long way forward. At 500 watt hours per kilogram, the new "Condensed Battery" is more than twice as high as the nickel-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries found in some Tesla cars. Their value does not reach 200 watt hours per kilogram. But even top batteries rarely achieve a value of 300 watt hours per kilogram.

Until now, weight and propulsion power have been major hurdles to electric battery-powered flight. With the new battery, fewer packs would be needed to achieve the desired performance.

According to CATL, they are already working with partners on the development of passenger aircraft. Tests at aviation level are also already being carried out. However, suitable variants are also to be developed for the automotive industry. However, no date has yet been announced.

Source: t3n, Raimund Schesswendter, 23.04.2023
Image: Ross Parmly at Unsplash