European planemaker Airbus Group (EPA:AIR) and French carmaker Renault have signed a research and development agreement to develop battery technology that is expected to lead to a new generation of lighter electric batteries for cars and airplanes.
The companies will collaborate to mature technologies related to energy storage, Airbus said in a statement, with the focus being on “energy management optimization and battery weight improvement”.
“This cross-industry partnership with Renault Group will help us mature the next generation of batteries as part of Airbus’ electrification roadmap,” said Sabine Klauke, the chief technical officer at Airbus in a statement. “Reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a unique challenge that requires cooperation across sectors, starting today."
Gilles Le Borgne, Renault's EVP for engineering, commented: “For the first time, two European leaders from different industries are sharing engineering knowledge to shape the future of hybrid-electric aircraft.
"Aviation is an extremely demanding field in terms of both safety and energy consumption, and so is the car industry."