And Battery Aero (ABA) is a California-based technology company specializing in advanced lithium-ion battery development for the aviation industry. Founded by Venkat Viswanathan, an associate professor of mechanical engineering formerly at Carnegie Mellon University, and Shashank Sripad, PhD in Mechanical Engineering, the company focuses on creating high-performance battery solutions that meet the specific requirements of electric aircraft. ABA’s mission centers on addressing the complex power demands of aviation, particularly during critical phases like takeoff and landing. The company’s innovative approach to battery design combines increased energy density with enhanced power output, making electric flight more practical and efficient.
Battery Technology
ABA’s primary innovation lies in their unique battery cell architecture, which replaces traditional graphite anodes with lithium metal. This modification significantly increases the specific energy of their batteries to approximately 400 Wh/kg, while maintaining specific power outputs exceeding 1 kW/kg. These specifications represent substantial improvements over conventional automotive batteries.
The company’s battery technology addresses two critical aspects of aviation requirements: high energy density for extended flight times and superior power delivery for demanding flight phases. Through collaboration with 24M Technologies, a Massachusetts-based battery manufacturer, ABA has developed advanced electrolyte chemistries that minimize power fade and maintain consistent performance even during partial discharge states.
Their battery design also incorporates specialized thermal management systems and safety features specific to aviation applications. The batteries undergo extensive testing to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards while maintaining optimal performance characteristics. This includes resistance to extreme temperature variations and pressure changes experienced during flight.
Recent Projects
In partnership with 24M Technologies, ABA secured an $11.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) in their most recent funding round. The grant supports the advancement of their lithium metal battery technology and includes plans for propeller stand testing and electric flight demonstrations. The company is currently working on scaling their production capabilities while maintaining the high quality standards required for aviation applications.
Investors
The available information about ABA’s investors is limited. While the company has received substantial government funding through the ARPA-E grant program, details about private investors are not publicly disclosed. The collaboration with 24M Technologies suggests potential strategic partnerships, but specific investment relationships remain private. The aviation battery sector continues to attract significant investment interest, indicating potential opportunities for future funding rounds.
Business Details
Location: Palo Alto, United States
Website: https://and.aero
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/and-battery-aero/
