Chinese battery maker CATL launched a condensed battery which it said opened a brand-new electrification scenario of passenger aircraft.
Launched at Auto Shanghai, claimed energy density is up to 500Wh/kg.
Few technical details were given, but CATL said it can achieve mass production of the condensed battery in a short period of time.
The battery leverages highly conductive biomimetic condensed state electrolytes to construct a micron-level self-adaptive net structure, the company said. That can adjust the interactive forces among the chains, improving the conductive performance of the cells and in turn the efficiency of lithium ion transporting while boosting stability of the microstructure.
The battery integrates a range of technologies, including ultra-high energy density cathode materials and offers “excellent charge and discharge performance” as well as good claimed safety performance.
CATL said it is working with partners to develop electric passenger aircraft and practise aviation standards and testing in accordance with aviation safety and quality requirements.
It also plans to launch an automotive version of condensed batteries, expected to be put into mass production within this year.
Battery analyst James Frith said on LinkedIn that as the battery has an ultra-high energy cathode, it suggests some sort of conversion reaction material, like sulfur of iron sulfide.
The battery uses innovative anode materials. “If using a conversion cathode material, the anode will most likely have to contain the lithium when the cell is assembled. So it likely either uses a lithium metal anode, or a lithium alloy,” he said.
