China’s CATL to Unveil Revolutionary Long-Range Electric Aircraft by 2028

Chinese battery giant CATL reports that it has successfully flown a 4-ton plane using its ultra-high-density “condensed batteries.” The company now anticipates having an 8-ton electric aircraft with a range of 2,000 to 3,000 km (1,240-1,865 miles) operational within the next 3-4 years.

CATL’s Market Dominance and Technological Advancements in Battery Density

CATL is currently the world leader in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles, commanding 37% of the market share. Almost every major car manufacturer, from Ford to Tesla, uses CATL batteries, underscoring the company’s dominant position in the industry.

In April 2023, CATL unveiled its “condensed battery,” which packs over twice the energy density of most existing batteries at an impressive 500 Wh/kg. On the other hand, it is important to note that a typical lead-acid car battery offers around 50 Wh/kg. In contrast, lithium-ion EV batteries, like those in the Tesla Model 3, can reach up to about 265 Wh/kg.

CATL designed its condensed battery with a focus on safety and weight, aiming to create aviation-grade batteries that can enhance the range of clean aircraft. Shortly after this announcement, CATL established an aviation division in partnership with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), a state-owned aviation company.

Since then, progress has been swift. Additionally, CATL recently announced “the successful test flight of a 4-ton aircraft powered entirely by its batteries.” While specifics on the battery bank, engine configuration, and flight data remain undisclosed, ChinaDaily reports that CATL aims to have a commercial electric aircraft with a range of 2,000 to 3,000 km (1,240 to 1,865 miles) ready by 2027 or 2028.

Targeting the Business Jet Market and Ensuring Rigorous Safety Testing

The target 8-ton aircraft, though smaller than a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320, “is similar in size to a Learjet 70/75, which can carry nine passengers.” This suggests that CATL is initially targeting the business jet market. The projected range of CATL’s aircraft surpasses that of any current clean passenger aircraft, including advanced concepts like the Elysian E9X, which promises a range of up to 1,000 km (621 miles). If CATL’s claims hold true, this would represent a major leap in aviation technology.

Chinese aviation authorities have shown a willingness to advance electric air transport, as evidenced by their early certification of eHang’s eVTOL air taxi operations, ahead of US or European regulators. However, as energy density increases, so does the risk of thermal runaway issues, which can lead to catastrophic failures. “Ensuring rigorous safety testing will be essential as CATL works to bring this innovative aircraft into service within the next few years.”

Read the Original Article on: New Atlas

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