EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, today announced a significant breakthrough in the development of high-energy solid-state battery technology. This achievement was made possible in collaboration with the Low-Altitude Economy Battery Research Institute of the Hefei International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Center and Shenzhen Inx Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Inx”).

Equipped with this new solid-state battery, the EH216-S completed a continuous 48-minute, 10-second flight test, marking a significant improvement in flight endurance by 60%-90% compared to previous versions. This flight is notable not just for the technology involved, but also because it represents a milestone as the first pilotless passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to complete a flight test using solid-state battery technology.

At the launch event of UAM Hub, High-Energy Solid-State Battery Technology Breakthrough, and Hefei Low-Altitude Planning, EHang showcased an unedited, continuous flight video of the EH216-S equipped with the high-energy solid-state battery. The successful flight test was notarized by the Guangzhou Notary Office, underscoring the reliability and transparency of this achievement.

Solid-State Battery: Enhancing the Performance of eVTOL Aircraft

The high-performance solid-state lithium battery utilized in the EH216-S employs metallic lithium as the anode and oxide ceramics as the electrolyte. This configuration significantly enhances both energy density and safety. The battery, boasting an energy density of 480Wh/kg, offers remarkable stability, ultimately improving the flight capabilities of the EH216-S and broadening its range of applications within the low-altitude economy sector. This includes practical use cases in long-range air mobility, aerial logistics, and even high-rise firefighting.

Why Solid-State Batteries Are a Game-Changer

Solid-state batteries represent a major leap over traditional lithium-ion batteries, which utilize liquid electrolytes. Solid-state technology replaces the liquid electrolyte with a solid material, offering numerous advantages. Compared to liquid lithium batteries, solid-state batteries provide:

• Higher energy density: The battery can store more energy in a smaller space, crucial for applications like eVTOL, where size and weight are critical.

• Enhanced thermal stability and reduced flammability: Unlike liquid electrolytes, solid-state electrolytes do not pose a high risk of leakage or fire.

• Wider working temperature range and improved storage stability: This makes the battery more adaptable to various operational environments.

• Maintenance-free qualities: Reduced need for frequent maintenance offers cost-saving advantages.

These advantages are vital in urban air mobility, which demands high safety standards due to the complexities of flying in densely populated areas. The increased energy density (480Wh/kg) also enables longer flight times, allowing for more versatile use cases like emergency response and firefighting.

Case Study: EH216-S’ Successful Flight and Its Implications

The flight of the EH216-S, equipped with a solid-state battery, was the culmination of rigorous testing. The battery underwent assessments of electrical performance, mechanical performance, and safety. Tests included exposure to extreme conditions like high temperature and puncture resistance (pinprick tests) to demonstrate the battery’s stability and reliability in different operational scenarios.

These features provide an added layer of safety for passengers and operators, helping to establish solid-state batteries as a core component of Urban Air Mobility applications. Given that urban air mobility (UAM) is still a developing field, such advancements pave the way for safer, more sustainable aerial transportation systems.

Urban Air Mobility Applications

The use of solid-state battery technology has opened the door to a wider range of urban air mobility applications:

• Urban Air Taxis: Safe and efficient air taxis can reduce congestion and revolutionize transportation in metropolitan areas.

• Aerial Logistics and Cargo Transport: These drones could be used for heavy cargo transportation in urban environments, including time-sensitive deliveries like medical supplies.

• High-Rise Firefighting: Traditional firefighting techniques often struggle with high-rise buildings. The EH216-S could become an invaluable tool, providing rapid response capabilities.

Solid-state battery-powered eVTOLs are also seen as pivotal to emergency response, enabling fast access to disaster-stricken areas that traditional ground vehicles cannot reach. The advantages of these batteries, particularly their reduced flammability and enhanced safety, ensure a more robust system suitable for high-stakes missions.

EHang and Inx: Advancing Battery Technology

EHang has been investing heavily in next-generation battery technology to enhance the performance and competitiveness of its eVTOL products. In September 2023, the company made a strategic investment in Inx, establishing a strategic partnership to jointly develop high-energy-density solid-state batteries for EHang’s eVTOLs. The collaboration was also bolstered by support from the Hefei International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Center, which established a battery research institute to back Inx’s development efforts.

A Closer Look at the Collaboration

After several iterations of battery cells and modules, the joint R&D team of EHang and Inx successfully developed a customized solid-state battery solution for the EH216-S. This solution has already completed significant flight tests, and plans are underway to move towards mass production of certified solid-state batteries by the end of 2025.

This effort reflects a broader trend in the electric vehicle industry, where manufacturers are seeking ways to improve energy density while maintaining safety standards. The collaboration between EHang and Inx also focuses on scalability making these advancements applicable not only to niche markets but also to a wide range of aerial vehicles.

Future Outlook

Lin Chen, Chairman of Inx, stated, “We are extremely proud of this breakthrough in solid-state battery technology with EHang. This achievement is a significant step forward in the R&D of high-energy density batteries, demonstrating our firm commitment to being at the forefront of clean energy technology innovation.

Our solid-state battery technology, with its exceptional safety and energy density, sets a new benchmark for the eVTOL industry. We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with EHang to further advance and refine the capabilities of our solid-state batteries, with a goal of extending the flight time of the EH216-S.”

The goal to extend the flight time of the EH216-S by 25% to a total of 60 minutes in 2025 represents a significant leap for the eVTOL industry as it moves towards practical applications. This capability would make eVTOLs more viable for both commercial and emergency applications, addressing a broader range of needs.

Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, added, “The successful flight of the EH216-S equipped with a solid-state battery is a testament to our technological prowess and commitment to innovation and safety. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the development of solid-state battery technology for eVTOLs, further enhancing flight safety while also substantially improving the aircraft’s endurance and operational efficiency. Additionally, it reduces maintenance costs and expands the possibilities for future operational scenarios.”

EHang’s commitment to the low-altitude economy is evident as it continues to collaborate with partners to develop other battery types tailored for specific applications, such as ultra-fast charging and discharging battery solutions for high-frequency short-haul flights. This kind of battery optimization ensures that customized battery service solutions meet the unique needs of each customer, supporting broader application scenarios, including urban air mobility, aerial logistics, firefighting, and emergency response.

Conclusion

The flight of the EH216-S marks a turning point in the development of solid-state battery technology for eVTOL aircraft. With the promise of enhanced energy density, stability, and safety, solid-state batteries are not only improving flight performance but also expanding the scope of urban air mobility. The collaboration between EHang and Inx highlights a dedication to pioneering innovation in clean energy and sustainable aviation.

As the UAM landscape continues to evolve, developments like this propel the industry closer to safe, sustainable, and efficient air transport solutions. The successful test flight with a solid-state battery is a major step toward making urban air mobility a practical reality in the near future.

About Inx

Founded in 2020, Shenzhen Inx Energy Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the research and development and production of high-energy density (450Wh/kg) and high-safety lithium metal solid-state batteries. Its products are widely utilized in industries such as drones, eVTOL, consumer electronics, energy storage, and electric vehicles.

Inx has established a production facility in Zhuhai (200MWh) and a research center in the U.S.’Silicon Valley, with an upcoming East China headquarters and a mass production line (5GWh) soon to be operational. Looking ahead, Inx remains committed to driving technological innovation and development within the industry, spearheading revolutionary changes in the energy sector to enhance the quality of life. For more information, please visit inxtech.com.cn.

Source: www.ehang.com