Amprius Introduces Lithium-Ion Battery in Electric Aviation and EV Industries

US based Amprius Technologies, a provider of next-generation lithium-ion batteries featuring its Silicon Anode Platform, has come up with an innovative battery technology. The newest ultra-high-power-high-energy lithium-ion battery has been introduced by the firm, benefiting from its advanced material system capability. With a discharge rate of 10C and an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, the advancement has been achieved for electric aviation, encompassing both crewed and uncrewed aerial systems.

Benefits are brought to the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industries through the cell’s power output, as it offers enhanced propulsion power and energy to fulfil the rigorous demands of takeoff, cruise, and landing. According to the official statement, the cell also extends the flight range by up to 50 per cent and increases the payload capacity.

The new Amprius battery cell’s capabilities extend to high-performance EVs, potentially enabling them to achieve 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) acceleration below 1.5 seconds, redefining performance standards in the EV industry, projected to reach $67B by 2025.

Dr Kang Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Amprius, said, “Commercial opportunities in electric mobility are profoundly impacted by their power and energy requirements.

“Our new cell delivers impressive specific power and energy density performance, approximately 200 per cent higher than traditional graphite cells, while achieving a 10C discharge rate, significantly expanding application possibilities and driving cost-effectiveness.”

An extended usable discharge capability is achieved by the cell, boasting a power density of 3500 W/kg under standard discharge conditions and exceeding 4400 W/kg at lower depths of discharge. Furthermore, it can support high current pulses at low states of charge without falling below the lower cut-off voltage, maintaining a remarkable discharge capability of 3000 W/kg at 30 per cent depths-of-discharge.

The combination of high energy density and high power density reduces battery weight and volume, leading to extended range, reduced charging frequency, and lower operating costs. In addition, the new ultra-high-power cell has an ultra-fast charging (UFC) capability, reaching 80 per cent charge in approximately six minutes or less, transforming mission-critical operations with swift turnaround times.

Amprius expects to have samples of this cell available for customers by the end of 2023 with the commercialization of the new cells slated for early 2024.

Headquartered in Fremont, California, where it maintains an R&D lab and a pilot manufacturing facility for the fabrication of silicon anodes and cells, Amprius Technologies produces one of the industry’s highest energy density cells, with its commercially available batteries delivering up to 450 Wh/kg and 1,150 Wh/L. Amprius recently entered into a lease agreement for an approximately 774,000 square foot facility in Brighton, Colorado.