Solid-State Batteries: Powering the Future of Low-Altitude Aviation
TrendForce’s latest research indicates that solid-state batteries are emerging as a crucial energy technology for the development of flying cars and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL)/urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles. With policy initiatives in countries like China and the United States driving the demand for solid-state batteries in the low-altitude aviation sector, global demand is expected to reach 86 GWh by 2030, growing to 302 GWh by 2035.
The low-altitude aviation market has attracted numerous global automotive and aerospace manufacturers, with over 200 flying car projects and more than 900 eVTOL models currently in progress. Industry giants like Boeing, Toyota, and Changan Automobile are actively investing in flying car technologies. XPeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors, recently secured a significant order for 2,008 flying cars at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition—the largest single order in the industry to date.
As low-altitude aviation technologies advance, the requirements for batteries—the primary power source for these vehicles—are becoming increasingly stringent. eVTOLs, for instance, demand 10 to 15 times the power for vertical takeoff compared to ground travel, necessitating batteries with high energy density, power output, safety, and fast charging capabilities. Solid-state batteries, with energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg, exceptional safety features, high power output, and rapid charging potential, are well-suited to meet the demanding needs of eVTOLs and UAM vehicles.
Both China and the United States are actively pursuing their visions for low-altitude aviation. In March 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and other government departments jointly issued an “Implementation Plan for Innovative Application of General Aviation Equipment.” The plan specifically calls for the mass production of 400 Wh/kg aviation lithium batteries and the validation of 500 Wh/kg aviation lithium batteries, providing strong policy support for the adoption of solid-state batteries in low-altitude aviation.
With solid-state batteries poised to revolutionize the low-altitude aviation sector, the future looks bright for the development of flying cars and eVTOL/UAM vehicles. As technology continues to evolve, these advanced energy storage solutions will play a crucial role in powering the next generation of transportation.
