Battery maker plans 16,000-pound electric aircraft for 2028

Chinese lithium battery company Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL) has announced plans to introduce a 16,000-pound electric aircraft with a range of up to 1500 nautical miles by 2028. According to NewAtlas, CATL, which supplies the majority of electric car batteries globally, recently flew an 8,000-pound plane powered by its “condensed battery.” However, details about the flight or the airplane were not disclosed.

Last year, CATL revealed that its condensed batteries have an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram, roughly double the storage capacity of top-tier car batteries. The company claims these batteries are lightweight, safe, and specifically designed for aviation purposes but has provided limited public information on their specifications. CATL is collaborating with the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and has established an aircraft division to explore this market.