CATL has reported progress in its electric manned aircraft partnership project, targeting a range of about 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers by 2027-2028, according to Chairman Robin Zeng.
Zeng disclosed this information at the 15th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian, China. This marks the first time the company has revealed details about the range of its electric aircraft.
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CATL has successfully test-flown a 4-ton civil electric aircraft and plans to introduce an 8-ton civil electric aircraft between 2027 and 2028, Zeng announced. The 8-ton aircraft is expected to support a range of about 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers.
The company’s electric aircraft project utilizes Condensed Battery technology, boasting an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg in a single cell, twice the energy density of current mainstream EV batteries. This technology was unveiled by CATL in April 2023, with plans to apply it in the electric airplane sector.
CATL is collaborating with China’s state-owned aircraft maker Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China on its electric aircraft initiative, with the two companies forming a joint venture in July 2023. Wu Kai, the company’s chief scientist, highlighted that the Condensed Battery would also be suitable for electric vehicles and was on track for mass production within 2023.
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In his remarks at the BEYOND International Science and Technology Innovation Expo in Macau on May 22, Zeng noted that CATL’s exploration of electric aircraft began with smaller planes, ranging from 1-ton to 8.8-ton. While the company has already conducted test flights of 4-ton aircraft, achieving commercial viability will require success with aircraft in the 8-ton class and above.
Zeng emphasized the ongoing work needed to bring the product to market, targeting a launch between 2027 and 2028.
