Vertical Aerospace has selected the Taiwanese lithium-ion battery maker E-One Moli Energy, also known as Molicel, to provide the cells that will power its VX4 eVTOL aircraft. The UK-based company announced the supplier selection on July 6.
Molicel will supply high-power cylindrical cells for the in-development Vertical’s VX4, which is expected to enter service in 2025. The VX4, which seats one pilot and four passengers, is designed to be 100 times quieter than a helicopter, flying at a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) and covering a range of more than 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge. It features both a fixed wing and tilting rotors that will enable the aircraft to fly quietly and efficiently, according to Vertical.
“The future of electric aviation is dependent on safe, high-performance battery systems, and fundamental to this are the battery cells themselves,” said Vertical CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick. “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.”
Molicel has a 40-year history of producing rechargeable high-power battery cells that have been used for various applications, ranging from power tools and automobiles to NASA’s space exploration technologies. The battery maker, which is based in Taipei, Taiwan, is preparing to open a second factory in Kaohsiung to enable mass production of the cells needed for the VX4.
The VX4 will combine Molicel’s battery cell technology with Vertical’s proprietary battery pack design to produce a safe, reliable, high-performing and economical battery system. Vertical aims to have the new battery system concurrently certified by the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in time for the VX4 to enter service by 2025.
