Given their current energy density, battery packs for eVTOLs represent a substantial portion of the vehicle weight, and because electrically powered aircraft do not lose weight as they fly, range and endurance are negatively effected. Furthermore, for eVTOLs, a doubling of battery capacity only yields a 9% increase in endurance. This clearly points to the need for battery pack technology that is substantially more energy dense than current Li-ion technology. Fortunately, the technology exists in the form of solid state Li-ion batteries. The big challenge is scaling this technology up to the capacities needed for flying machines while achieving sustainable cost targets. The team composed of Streamline Automation and Alabama A&M University propose to take A&Ms current thin-film solid state technology, and together with the unique experience of SA Staff in developing battery packs for eVTOL aircraft and automating the production of battery packs for EVs will enable the scale up, manufacturing, and deployment of solid state Li-ion battery packs capable of energy densities up to three times greater than current available technology. Our relationships with major Li-ion battery manufacturers will also facilitate the commercialization path for this innovative and revolutionary technology.
