Electric planes in the economy: when will they be available on the mass market?

plane

Aircraft technology is evolving toward a future where planes glide through the sky with a quiet hum rather than the deafening roar we are accustomed to. Electric aviation holds the promise of a cleaner, quieter, and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional air travel. This concept has been under discussion for years, driven by environmental concerns and significant technological advancements.

Airbus reassesses electric air taxi development

cityairbus

Airbus Helicopters has recently announced the suspension of its CityAirbus NextGen electric air taxi project, following the completion of its current test flight campaign. This strategic move, revealed after a thorough review at the end of 2024, highlights the challenges the manufacturer faces in bringing the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft to market.

CATL’s new sodium-ion battery: A revolution in cold-weather energy storage

CATL

A novel sodium-ion battery has been developed to endure extreme temperatures, representing a significant breakthrough in electrochemical energy storage technologies, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs).

Ehang and inx achieve breakthrough in solid-state battery technology: EH216-S completes world’s first evtol solid-state battery flight test

EH216-S completed a continuous flight test with solid-state battery, which is recorded and notarized by the officials of the Guangzhou Notary Office

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”).

Even after 850 cycles, the new battery has 99.95% capacity

OAAB

Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) in China have made significant progress in the development of the Organic Flow Battery (OAAB): the new device retains 99.95% of its capacity after 850 charging cycles. This breakthrough was achieved with naphthalene-based organic redox-active molecules (ORAMs), marking a major milestone in battery technology.

China’s battery advantage: promoting electric aviation

energy

China has emerged as a formidable force in the global battery industry, earning its moniker as a “battery superpower.” This ascendancy is not merely a matter of national pride; it carries profound implications for the future of electric aviation, particularly in the realms of electric planes and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. Let’s delve into the multifaceted significance of China’s battery dominance and its potential to reshape the skies.