Chinese battery giant CATL has revealed progress on its efforts to electrify passenger airplanes, as its incoming condensed matter battery will be ready to enable a flight range of between 2,000 and 3,000 kilometers (1,243-1,864 miles) in the next several years. The world’s largest electric vehicle battery supplier recently tested a four-ton civilian airplane with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, a state-owned plane manufacturer, founder Robin Zeng told an audience on Tuesday at this year’s World Economic Forum (Summer Davos Forum). Zeng added that the company predicted an eight-ton electric aircraft powered by its high energy-dense battery will probably be launched as early as 2027, with an expected flight range of up to 3,000 km. CATL showcased a condensed matter battery prototype, a type of semi-solid state product with condensed electrolytes that boasts an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), last April at the Auto Shanghai Show. [China Daily]
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