Vertical Aerospace a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today announces a strategic partnership with E-One Moli Energy Corp a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion cells, to supply high power cylindrical cells for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft.
With today’s announcement, Vertical has now secured the supply of market leading battery cells to develop the VX4 through to certification and entry into service, working with Molicel to increase supply as the VX4 is brought into mass production. Vertical reviewed the capabilities of dozens of cell manufacturers before selecting Molicel as its battery partner as it believes Molicel is uniquely placed to meet the performance and safety requirements of the VX4 and to continue to deliver innovation and improved performance over time.
With more than 40 years’ experience in energy research and development, Molicel has established itself as one of the world’s leading supplier of high-power battery cells. Specialising in high power, low impedance and fast charge, Molicel deliberately focuses on demanding, high-performance applications of its batteries, with its technology already in use across space, advanced automotive and power tool applications. Partners include NASA and William’s Advanced Engineering.
Battery cells, and the wider battery system, are critical components for the safety, performance and economics of the VX4.
Safety – Safe flight is a non-negotiable and critical for our aircraft. Part of Vertical’s certification compliance journey is proving the management of thermal runaway events and Molicel’s high power cylindrical cell format is key this.
Performance – The VX4 needs high-performance cells to enable the range and payload Vertical’s customers demand. Molicel have the highest power and energy cylindrical cell in the world.
Economics – The VX4 battery system needs to be economic both as a component of the product and in second-life applications. Molicel will help optimise the life cycle of the battery cell for eVTOL as well as other second-life applications.
Vertical and Molicel have established a joint working group to ensure the battery cells result in a system for the VX4 that is a safe, reliable and high-performance. The battery system will be certified concurrently with the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority with Vertical targeting 2025 for entry into service.
In addition to their existing production annual capacity in Taipei, Molicel will open their second Gigafactory in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2023. The advanced manufacturing technology at these new plants will not only enable mass production of cells for Vertical Aerospace, but its cell traceability approach will guarantee the consistency and quality required to meet aerospace standards.
“The future of electric aviation is dependent on safe, high-performance battery systems and fundamental to this is the battery cells themselves. 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. We see many similarities between ourselves and Molicel and we couldn’t think of a better partner to bring the VX4 to market.”
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, Vertical Aerospace
Dr Limhi Somerville, Head of Battery, Vertical Aerospace said “It has been a privilege to work alongside the excellent Molicel team in testing, evaluating and analysing their lithium-ion cells. Both here and in Taiwan. Through years of development their low resistance, high-power cells give us additional weight saving, charging and safety opportunities for the VX4 with minimal compromise to energy and lifetime. We look forward to working with them for many years to come in enabling certified propulsion battery systems in aerospace.”
Casey Shiue, President, E-One Moli Energy Corp said “We have long been known as the pioneers of high power, low impedance, fast charge battery cell technology and have vast experience across a range of applications. We are on a mission to produce outstanding cells to drive the electric evolution and are very excited to enter this strategic partnership with Vertical Aerospace. We work with some of the best engineers in the world and have been immensely impressed by Vertical’s technical and engineering pedigree. We see our technology is a key enabler of safe and efficient flight, and we look forward to working with Vertical Aerospace to bring their revolutionary VX4 aircraft to the skies.”
About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is a leading British electric vertical takeoff and landing manufacturer pioneering the transition to carbon free aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing and selling one of the world’s best zero operating emission eVTOL aircraft for use in the advanced air mobility market, using the most cutting-edge technology from the aerospace, automotive and energy industries. Since its inception in 2016, Vertical has focused on building one of the most experienced and senior teams in the eVTOL industry, who between them have decades of engineering experience and have certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
Vertical’s top-tier partner ecosystem is expected to support operational execution and Vertical believes its pathway to certification will allow for a lean cost structure and enable production at scale. Vertical has received conditional pre-orders for a total of up to 1,350 aircraft from American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow and Iberojet, which includes conditional pre-order options from Virgin Atlantic and Marubeni, and in doing so, is creating multiple potential near term and actionable routes to market.
About the VX4 eVTOL Aircraft
The VX4 is projected to be capable of transporting a pilot and up to four passengers, traveling distances of over 100 miles, and achieving top speeds of over 200 miles per hour, while producing minimal noise and zero operating emissions. The VX4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel.
About MOLICEL
With over 40 years’ rechargeable lithium-ion knowhow and innovative technology research and development, MOLICEL® is famous for excellent power density product which presents high discharge and fast charge capability balanced with good energy density. The company has been recognized as first choice for world leading makers in applications such as sports car/motorcycle, VTOL, aerospace and heavy-duty tools.