Chinese battery maker CALB has begun mass production of aviation-grade batteries for Aridge, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle subsidiary of Xpeng. Production commenced at CALB’s Chengdu facility, marking a key step toward Aridge’s plan to roll out its modular flying car, codenamed X3-F, later this year.
The new power cells feature a high-silicon and high-nickel chemistry, delivering an energy density of up to 360 Wh/kg and a maximum discharge rate of 25C. According to CALB, the units passed a 15.2-meter drop test without fire, explosion, or leakage, and their thermal safety design meets aviation airworthiness requirements. More than 100,000 cells have been validated to comply with both automotive regulations and aviation certificates.
Aridge was founded in 2013 and formally established in 2020. The company is majority-owned by Xpeng and its chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng. It has previously stated intentions to achieve mass production and delivery of its Land Aircraft Carrier within 2026, targeting a final market price not exceeding 2 million yuan (roughly $290,000). In addition, Aridge recently secured nearly $200 million in funding, bringing its total equity financing to about $1 billion.
In China’s competitive power battery sector, CALB holds the third-largest share of domestic installations as of February, with a 6.00% market share, according to the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance. Industry leaders CATL and BYD continue to dominate, together accounting for over 62% of installations during the same period. CALB’s entry into the eVTOL market underscores its strategy to strengthen its position by innovating in advanced application fields beyond traditional electric vehicles.
Source: CNEV Post
