Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s leading power battery manufacturer, is poised to achieve a significant milestone in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. According to an announcement made by CATL Chairman Robin Zeng at the 2024 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, Sichuan Province, an eVTOL aircraft equipped with CATL batteries is scheduled to make its first flight before the end of 2024.
This development follows CATL’s previous success in testing a 4-ton civil electric aircraft last year. The company, which currently holds a market share of more than 30 percent in the global energy battery industry, is actively expanding its reach beyond conventional electric vehicles.
CATL’s foray into electric aviation extends beyond the upcoming eVTOL flight. In a statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos in June, Zeng outlined plans for an 8-ton civil electric aircraft with a projected range of 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers, which is expected to be released between 2027 and 2028.
To further strengthen its position in the eVTOL market, CATL recently made a strategic investment in Autoflight, a company specializing in automated eVTOL technology. This partnership aims to advance the development of aviation batteries specifically designed for eVTOL applications.
As CATL continues to diversify its portfolio and invest in electric aviation technology, the planned first flight of the CATL-powered eVTOL represents a notable advancement in the evolving landscape of air transportation and logistics.
Source: CNEVPOST
