CATL announces electric aircraft range breakthrough and advances in sodium-ion battery technology, revolutionizing sustainable air travel. At the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum, CATL’s chairman, Robin Zeng, made a groundbreaking announcement that could reshape the future of aviation. CATL tweeted on the X platform: „Another focus of our technology development is high energy-density batteries. Our condensed batteries, achieving up to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, are currently being tested in planes, allowing 4.0-ton aircraft to take off. We aim to support 8.8-ton aircraft next. By 2027 or 2028, we expect four-seater private jets to use these batteries, with a standardized range of 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers, making them feasible for private and business jets.“
CATL’s significant progress in their civil, electric manned aircraft cooperation project marks the first public disclosure of the range capabilities of CATL’s electric aircraft, highlighting a substantial advancement in aviation technology. According to the company, the 8-ton model is expected to be operational between 2027 and 2028, featuring a range that could revolutionize regional air travel. The key to this advancement lies in CATL’s cutting-edge condensed-state battery technology, boasting an energy density of 500Wh/kg. This energy density is double that of current electric vehicle (EV) power batteries, which typically offer around 250Wh/kg and meet the strict energy requirements for regional aircraft.
This development signifies a significant leap in the aviation industry, potentially leading to more sustainable and efficient air travel options. The high energy density of the batteries means that electric aircraft could become a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered planes, significantly reducing carbon emissions and operating costs.
New generation of sodium-ion batteries
In addition to developing electric aircraft, CATL is also focusing on enhancing its battery technology across various applications. During his participation at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, Zeng also disclosed that the company is advancing its sodium-ion battery technology, which is expected to offer better cost, lifespan, and low-temperature operation performance, with the anticipated growth and potential of sodium-ion batteries. According to Zeng, these batteries could be launched as early as next year, with the technology already at a developmental stage rated at level 7 out of 10. He stated, “This new generation of sodium-ion batteries will help not only in terms of cost but also on the low-temperature performance.”
With the introduction of condensed state and sodium-ion batteries, the potential applications range from more efficient EVs to advanced energy storage solutions. CATL’s progress in electric aircraft development underscores its role in driving forward sustainable technologies. As the aviation industry looks towards a greener future, CATL’s electric aircraft could be a game-changer, offering a glimpse into a future where air travel is both efficient and environmentally friendly.
The future of electric aviation holds immense promise, with potential benefits including reduced carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and increased efficiency. As technology advances, the vision of electric-powered flights becoming a mainstream mode of transportation is increasingly within reach. Innovative efforts like the ones by CATL pave the way for a new era in aviation, where sustainable and efficient air travel becomes a reality, ushering in a cleaner and greener future for the aviation industry. Source: ‚Battery Tech Online‚.