In the quest to revolutionize urban air mobility, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) are emerging as a game-changer, promising to slash emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. However, the success of these innovative aircraft hinges on one critical component: high-performance batteries. A groundbreaking study published in the World Electric Vehicle Journal, led by Tu-Anh Fay from the Technische Universität Berlin, delves into the feasibility of current and emerging battery chemistries for eVTOL applications, offering a roadmap for the future of electric aviation.
The aviation sector, responsible for a significant chunk of global greenhouse gas emissions, is under intense scrutiny. With projections indicating that aviation emissions could triple by 2050, the push for sustainable propulsion technologies has never been more urgent. eVTOLs, with their ability to take off and land vertically in limited spaces, offer a tantalizing solution for urban air mobility. But to make them a reality, batteries need to deliver high energy and power densities, all while fitting into the tight confines of these aircraft.
Fay’s research, conducted at the Fachgebiet Methoden der Produktentwicklung und Mechatronik, benchmarks various battery chemistries against the stringent requirements of eVTOLs. The study identifies nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries, such as NMC and NCA, as the current frontrunners. Among 300 commercial battery cells analyzed, the Molicel INR21700-P45B stands out as the top performer. However, the study also casts an eye towards the future, highlighting solid-state batteries (SSBs) with sulfide electrolytes and silicon-based anodes (SiSu) as the most promising next-generation technology.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As Fay explains, “The development of safe, high-energy, and high-power batteries is crucial to achieve the required performance for eVTOL flight.” The study’s findings provide a clear path forward for manufacturers, underscoring the need for advanced battery technologies to drive the commercial viability of eVTOLs.
To validate their findings, Fay and her team developed a custom eVTOL battery simulation model. Simulations for two commercial eVTOL models—the Volocopter VoloCity and the Archer Midnight—revealed that while the Molicel INR21700-P45B cell meets the basic requirements, it struggles in high-load scenarios. In contrast, the SiSu cell maintained a state of charge well above the safety threshold, demonstrating its potential to enhance eVTOL performance significantly.
The study’s insights are a clarion call for the energy sector. As eVTOLs move closer to commercialization, the demand for high-performance batteries will soar. Companies investing in battery technology now stand to reap substantial rewards, shaping the future of urban air mobility and sustainable aviation.
But the journey doesn’t stop at battery chemistry. Fay’s future work will incorporate thermal properties and additional parameters like charging rates and cycle life, providing a more comprehensive assessment of battery suitability. Economic factors, including production costs and environmental impacts, will also be considered, offering a holistic view of the adoption potential for specific battery technologies.
As the world watches the skies for the next big leap in aviation, one thing is clear: the future of eVTOLs is intrinsically linked to the batteries that power them. With pioneering research like Fay’s, the energy sector is poised to take flight, driving innovation and sustainability in equal measure. The stage is set for a new era in electric aviation, and the batteries are ready to take off.