UK-based air taxi maker Vertical Aerospace Ltd (NYSE:EVTL) has struck a deal with the maker of what it says are the world’s highest-power battery cells to work towards mass production of its VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The UK company, which is listed in New York, said E-One Moli Energy Corp, better known as Molicel, will supply high power cylindrical cells for the VX4 under a new strategic partnership.
Vertical said it has now secured the supply of battery cells to develop the VX4 through to the certification process before it enters commercial service.
It will work with Taiwan-based Molicel, which has previously partnered with NASA and William’s Advanced Engineering, to increase supply as the VX4 is brought into mass production.
Molicel has an annual production capacity of 1.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) from its Taipei base, and is due to open a second 'gigafactory' in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2023.
“The future of electric aviation is dependent on safe, high-performance battery systems and fundamental to this is the battery cells themselves," said Vertical founder and chief executive Stephen Fitzpatrick.
“That’s why I am delighted to be partnering with Molicel, producer of the world’s highest power cells. Molicel has a rich history of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy storage.”