Vertical Aerospace and Molicel partner to power the VX4
Vertical Aerospace has announced a strategic partnership with Molicel, a manufacturer of lithium-ion cells, to supply high power cylindrical cells for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft.
The partnership means Vertical has…
Vertical Aerospace has announced a strategic partnership with Molicel, a manufacturer of lithium-ion cells, to supply high power cylindrical cells for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft.
The partnership means Vertical has now secured the supply of battery cells to develop the VX4 through to certification and entry into service, working with Molicel to increase supply as the VX4 is brought into mass production.
Vertical said it reviewed the capabilities of dozens of cell manufacturers before selecting Molicel as its battery partner.
Safe, high-performance battery systems
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “The future of electric aviation is dependent
on safe, high-performance battery systems and fundamental to this is the battery cells themselves. That’s
why I am delighted to be partnering with Molicel, producer of the world’s highest power cells.
“Molicel has a rich history of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy storage. We see many similarities between ourselves and Molicel and we couldn’t think of a better partner to bring the VX4 to market.”
Minimal compromise to energy and lifetime
Dr Limhi Somerville, Head of Battery at Vertical Aerospace, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside
the excellent Molicel team in testing, evaluating and analysing their lithium-ion cells, both here and in
Taiwan.
“Through years of development their low resistance, high-power cells give us additional weight saving,
charging and safety opportunities for the VX4 with minimal compromise to energy and lifetime. We look forward
to working with them for many years to come in enabling certified propulsion battery systems in aerospace.”
Electric evolution
Casey Shiue, President of Molicel, added: “We have long been known as the pioneers of high power, low impedance, fast charge battery cell technology and have vast experience across a range of applications.
“We are on a mission to produce outstanding cells to drive the electric evolution and are very excited to enter this strategic partnership with Vertical Aerospace. We work with some of the best engineers in the world and have been immensely impressed by Vertical’s technical and engineering pedigree.
“We see our technology is a key enabler of safe and efficient flight, and we look forward to working with Vertical Aerospace to bring their revolutionary VX4 aircraft to the skies.”
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