Lithium-ion battery maker Amprius has launched “an ultra-high-power-high-energy lithium-ion battery.” It claims the cell achieves a discharge rate of 10C while delivering 400 Wh/kg energy density.
The company claimed this as a major advancement for electric aviation (crewed and uncrewed aerial systems), with propulsion power and energy for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Dr. Kang Sun, chief executive officer of Amprius, said. “Our new cell delivers impressive specific power and energy density performance, approximately 200% higher than traditional graphite cells, while achieving a 10C discharge rate, significantly expanding application possibilities and driving cost-effectiveness.”
Power density is 3500 W/kg in standard discharge conditions and a maximum power of over 4400 W/kg at lower depths-of-discharge. The cell supports high current pulses at low states of charge without going below the lower 3000 W/kg at 30% depths-of-discharge cut-off voltage.
The high energy density and high-power density reduces battery weight and volume, which it said provides 50% increased flight range, reduced charging frequency and lower operating costs.
The ultra-high-power cell has an ultra-fast charging (UFC) capability, reaching 80% charge in around six minutes.
Amprius expects to have samples of this cell available by end-2023 and commercialisation is set for early 2024.
Last month, it said it completed a technology development programme in collaboration with the US Army. Its aim was to deliver Amprius’ 390 Wh/kg safe cells with a gel polymer electrolyte that will be used in a wearable battery. The company maintains an R&D lab and a pilot facility for the fabrication of silicon anodes and cells in Fremont, California.
The company is planning to build a gigafactory in phases in Colorado and expects to be operational by 2025 with an initial 500 MWh capacity with potential for 5 GWh. “Looking ahead, the increased production capacity in Colorado will allow us to expand into additional markets such as EVs,” a company spokesperson added.
