EV battery maker Ionblox is set to create new batteries for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft and electric vehicles. The company claims that these batteries can achieve up to 50 percent higher energy density, five times more power, and a charge of 10 minutes to 80 percent.
Ionblox's Fast Lithium-Ion Batteries
As electric vehicles dominate the market, batteries for these also evolve daily. Ionblox announced good news for their partner companies, as they will make batteries for VTOL aircraft and electric vehicles.
According to a report from Interesting Engineering, Ionblox will produce fast lithium-ion batteries that can address the most demanded use cases. These batteries can achieve 50% higher energy density, 5x more power, and 10-minute charging of 80%.
Chief Executive Officer Sujeet Kumar stated that lithium-ion batteries would be started to commercialize with pre-lithiated silicon dominant anodes for electric mobility. "The funding from this round will enable us to take an important step in our journey to scale our technology and set up our own cell manufacturing in the U.S. and other key markets," he added.
Currently, the company works with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler to achieve a recharge time that can last the same amount as gasoline cars.
Ionblox was awarded a development contract from USABC. Through this, the company can develop fast-charging EV batteries at a low cost. The Idaho National Lab has verified the cell performance of the company.
Ionblox and Lilium
Aside from these companies, Ionblox also collaborates with German Aerospace company Lilium. The company is known for developing an electrical air vehicle Lilium Jet, capable of VTOL flight. Lilum Chief Operating Officer Yves Yemsi stated that Ionblox technology helps them enable the highest performance cells for eVTOL aircraft.
He added, "Test results to date are showing the technology will deliver not only superior energy and power density for the Lilium Jet at launch but also very good aging performance. We're excited to continue our work together to support the continuous improvement and the ongoing industrialization of the technology."
Lilium stated on its official website that it had already identified and licensed the unique cell technology to be exclusively available to Lilium in commercial, regional eVTOl applications. The company believes this will meet specific performance requirements with over 250km of physical range.
The company added that a manufacturing strategy and a partner that can produce Lilum's cells on a scare could help them achieve its commercial and sustainability goals.
Based on a report from Electrcive, Ionblox announced that it just closed a $32 million Series B funding round, with Lilium participating. Lilum previously invested with the company during its "Zenlabs" era. No confirmation of which shares Lilum now holds and how much they invested.
Companies that also invested with Ionbox are Applied Ventures, Temasek, and Catalus Capitol.
Related Article : Lithium Ion Batteries of the Future Could FULLY CHARGE in 5 Minutes, According to Research
