CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) has made a strategic move into the low-altitude economy by signing an investment and cooperation agreement with Autoflight, a leading eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) company. CATL’s exclusive multi-billion dollar investment positions it as a strategic investor in Autoflight.
CATL in Arnstadt
eVTOLs represent a fusion of aviation and new energy vehicle technologies, with power batteries playing a crucial role in both sectors. Besides CATL, other power battery companies like EVE Energy, Farasis Energy, Gotion High-Tech, and Great Wall Motors’ SVOLT have also entered the eVTOL battery development and manufacturing space. The low-altitude economy, seen as a significant growth market, is becoming a focal point for these companies.
CATL’s Entry into the Low-Altitude Economy
Founded in 2017, Autoflight is one of China’s earliest eVTOL technology companies, focusing on safe and reliable aerial logistics and urban air mobility solutions. Autoflight’s cargo eVTOL has received the first type certificate (TC) for eVTOLs over one ton, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is currently reviewing the TC application for its passenger eVTOL model.
Autoflight and CATL plan to collaborate long-term on eVTOL battery development, leveraging their respective resources and technological strengths to enhance battery energy density and performance. This partnership aims to support longer flight distances and higher payloads for eVTOLs, while also improving safety and stability.
CATL has been extending its business into the aviation sector for some time. At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, CATL unveiled its condensed battery, which is being developed for civilian electric passenger aircraft, adhering to aviation-grade standards and testing.
At the 2023 Summer Davos Forum, CATL’s Chairman and CEO, Zeng Yuqun, revealed that the company had successfully test-flown a 4-ton civilian electric aircraft and is accelerating the development of an 8-ton electric aircraft, expected to be launched between 2027 and 2028. This aircraft will use CATL’s cutting-edge condensed battery technology, boasting an energy density of 500Wh/kg.
Power Battery Industry Accelerates eVTOL Development
An eVTOL executive explained that eVTOLs combine the core components of both aircraft and new energy vehicles, including composite material bodies, flight control systems, electric systems, and thermal management systems. Given the high value of power batteries in new energy vehicles, they are also critical in the eVTOL industry.
Compared to new energy vehicles, eVTOLs have stricter requirements for power batteries, including high energy density, power output, and safety. Key challenges include achieving long life, high energy density, high power density, and fast charging capabilities, which directly impact the range, endurance, efficiency during takeoff, landing, and climbing, and rapid charging ability of electric aircraft.
Several power battery companies have already ventured into eVTOL battery development and production. EVE Energy has introduced eVTOL batteries with an energy density of 320Wh/kg, capable of charging to 80% in 10 minutes and maintaining performance over 7,000 cycles. Farasis Energy’s eVTOL batteries entered industrialization in 2023, with successful flight tests and collaborations with leading overseas companies. Gotion High-Tech has partnered with EHang to develop eVTOL power cells, battery packs, energy storage systems, and charging infrastructure, meeting CAAC airworthiness standards. Additionally, EHang and SVOLT are collaborating on the world’s first ultra-fast charging battery for eVTOLs.
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