CATL aviation battery passes adjacent-cell thermal-runaway test
- Aviation battery passed verification showing no thermal runaway propagation between adjacent cells, even when adjacent cells at middle and corner locations were simultaneously triggered.
- Uses prismatic cells with an energy density of 350 Wh/kg; reported as the first such system to pass this adjacent-cell propagation test.
- Designated representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) witnessed the complete production, inspection and testing process.
- The aviation battery system is declared ready for mass production and will be first used on AutoFlight's passenger eVTOLs.
Test outcome
The aviation power battery system developed by CATL for passenger eVTOLs passed a verification test showing no thermal runaway propagation for adjacent cells. During the test, adjacent cells at various pack locations, including the middle and corners, were simultaneously triggered without thermal propagation.
Technical details
The pack uses prismatic cells at an energy density of 350 Wh/kg and is reported to be the first aviation power battery system with that cell format and energy density to pass this adjacent-cell thermal propagation test.
Regulatory oversight
The entire production, inspection and testing of the cells and battery system were completed under the witness of designated representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which the report says lays a foundation for eVTOLs to meet civil aviation safety standards.
Production and deployment
The aviation battery system is now ready for mass production and will be first used on AutoFlight's passenger eVTOLs. The announcement notes continued collaboration with partners, universities and research institutions to address technical challenges and strengthen safety for aircraft manufacturers and users.
Source: CATL
