Battery Development

CATL will develop a custom aviation battery for the Skyla V30, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Chinese manufacturer Blue Vector. According to CATL, the companies signed strategic and product cooperation agreements on November 2. Blue Vector has named CATL its exclusive battery partner for the aircraft. Neither company disclosed the deal’s value, battery specifications or a supply timeline. Six-Seat Tiltrotor for Intercity Flights The Skyla V30 is an all-electric, six-seat tiltrotor in the two-ton class. Hangzhou-based Blue Vector is developing it for passenger flights between cities. According to the companies, the battery is intended to meet the aircraft’s range and safety requirements. The cooperation also covers research, standards and operational applications. The aircraft is still in development. Its first full-scale technology demonstrator rolled out in Harbin on August 31, 2026. Systems integration, ground testing and transition flight tests are next. By late September, Blue Vector reported pre-sales orders for more than 100 aircraft. The certification status has not been disclosed. CATL Expands Its Aviation Activities The agreement extends CATL’s presence in the eVTOL sector. In August 2024, CATL agreed to invest in Shanghai-based Autoflight and to develop eVTOL batteries with the company. In November 2025, Autoflight presented a floating vertiport developed jointly with CATL. It combines a takeoff and landing platform with energy storage and charging. Sources:https://cnevpost.com/2026/11/02/catl-evtol-partnership-blue-vector/https://autonews.gasgoo.com/articles/news/2117519965581893633

Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda says automakers are evaluating its polymer-based solid-state battery cell. According to Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery (SEVB), the cell has completed design and process verification. The subsidiary of Sunwoda Electronic disclosed the update on October 30 via the Shenzhen Stock Exchange’s investor platform. It did not name the automakers or disclose sample volumes. Polymer Electrolyte Instead of Sulfide The 20 Ah cell, called Xin Bixiao, reportedly reaches an energy density of 400 Wh/kg. Sunwoda specifies more than 1,200 cycles at an external pressure below 1 megapascal. The design combines a 12-micrometer polymer-composite membrane with a silicon anode. The cell is also said to have passed a 200°C (392°F) hot-box test. Sunwoda has not disclosed the temperature or charging rate used in the cycle tests. Cell-level results also do not show how a complete vehicle battery would perform. Some sulfide-based solid-state designs require sustained external pressure to keep their components in contact. CATL, which is pursuing sulfide chemistry, recently reaffirmed its target of small-batch production in 2027. Mass Production Plans for 2026 Unconfirmed SEVB has set up a solid-state pilot line with an annual design capacity of 0.2 GWh. Sunwoda first presented the Xin Bixiao cell in October 2025. At the time, the company planned mass production with an annual capacity of 1 GWh for 2026. The latest update does not mention such a production start. The roadmap now lists a sulfide-based battery for 2027 and a cell exceeding 500 Wh/kg by 2030. Sources:https://carnewschina.com/2026/11/02/solid-state-battery-race-sunwoda-tests-polymer-cells-with-automakers-as-catl-targets-2027/https://autotechinsight.spglobal.com/news/5284714/sunwoda-unveils-polymer-based-solid-state-battery-cell-with-400-wh-kg-energy-density

Fraunhofer ISE has tested battery cells made in-house with silicon-rich anodes for more than 1,000 full cycles. According to the institute, they retained over 83% of their original capacity afterward. An external compression pressure of 1,000 kilopascals was a key factor. The research cells achieve an energy density of 280 watt-hours per kilogram. For an industrially optimized cell format, the institute expects approximately 330 watt-hours per kilogram. Silicon-rich anodes promise higher energy densities for lithium-ion batteries. This makes them attractive for electric mobility, aerospace, and stationary energy storage. However, their limited lifespan has so far hindered industrial adoption. Compression Pressure Affects Cycle Life In the StrOboBatt project, researchers compared two axial compression pressures: 300 and 1,000 kilopascals. The cells were charged and discharged in one hour each. At 1,000 kilopascals, they retained the reported capacity after more than 1,000 full cycles. Under the lower pressure, usable capacity declined more sharply. External pressure can improve electrical contact and reduce the separation of electrode materials. As the cycle count increased, the gap also widened between the remaining capacity measured at a low discharge rate and the capacity available during regular operation. Potential applications therefore require an assessment of performance under the relevant operating conditions. Industry-Relevant Cell Format With a Silicon-Carbon Anode The tested pouch cells have 40 layers and a capacity of 25 amp-hours. They combine a silicon-carbon/graphite anode with a nickel-rich nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide cathode. The silicon-carbon composite accounts for 51% of the anode’s active material. The cells were manufactured on a semiautomated line at Fraunhofer ISE. They serve as a reference for investigating new materials, cell designs, and operating conditions. Source:https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/press-media/news/2026/fraunhofer-ise-successfully-tests-high-energy-battery-cells-with-silicon-rich-anodes-over-1000-cycles.html

ProLogium and Rimac Technology say they have completed a concept mockup for a new electric vehicle battery. It is scheduled to be displayed at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. A fully functional battery pack is planned for the second half of 2027, followed by vehicle and road testing in the second half of 2028. The collaboration is based on a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025. ProLogium contributes its cell technology, while Rimac develops its integration into the battery system. Cell-to-Pack: Integration Still Needs Validation The project centers on a cell-to-pack architecture using pouch cells. Rimac says it is developing scalable integration technology for solid-state cells. Areas under evaluation include thermal management, cell swelling management, and cell integration. According to Rimac, several approaches are being evaluated in parallel. Some target higher energy density and lower weight, while others focus on performance. Rimac also aims to simplify the design and combine functions while taking costs into account. Following successful validation in a vehicle, the company expects weight savings and improvements in efficiency and range. Under the current development roadmap, a functional battery segment is scheduled to be presented at CES 2027. A complete battery pack and vehicle testing are planned to follow in the second half of 2028. Source:https://prologium.com/prologium-and-rimac-technology-advance-next-generation-ev-battery-development/

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft opened the new building for its Center for Energy Storage and Systems ZESS in Braunschweig on October 5, 2026. The center will further develop next-generation solid-state batteries and hydrogen technologies for industrial applications. Germany’s federal government and the state of Lower Saxony invested approximately €49.85 million in the research facility. The building spans approximately 3,300 square meters, including around 1,750 square meters of laboratory space and a 450-square-meter dry room. The infrastructure is intended to support the development of new energy storage technologies and technology transfer. Battery Research Across the Entire Process Chain Research on solid-state batteries spans new materials, production technologies, and industrial scale-up. Sustainability and the circular economy are also part of the research approach. The goal is to develop safe and sustainable battery technologies. ZESS brings together the expertise of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, and Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS. The center also collaborates with industry partners and Technische Universität Braunschweig. The university’s Battery LabFactory and Center for Circular Production of Next Batteries and Fuel Cells complement the research environment. In addition to batteries, ZESS researches hydrogen technologies. This work also aims to further develop materials and production processes for industrial applications, taking economic and environmental factors into account. Source:https://www.ist.fraunhofer.de/en/press-media/2026/fraunhofer-zess-strengthens-technology-transfer-and-sustainable-energy-storage-research-in-germany.html

Toyota opened a new battery development center in Saline, Michigan, on October 1, 2026. The Toyota Battery Center of North America is intended to support battery development and testing for various vehicle powertrains. The approximately 30,000-square-foot facility is located on Toyota’s research and development campus. It centralizes the evaluation of battery technologies and works with the company’s North American manufacturing network. This includes Toyota Battery Manufacturing in North Carolina and Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing plants across North America. Battery Testing for Different Powertrains According to the company, the center covers the entire development cycle, from sourcing raw materials to vehicle applications and recycling. Engineers and technicians will characterize batteries and develop new technologies at the facility. Toyota identifies hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered, and fully electric vehicles as potential applications. The center therefore supports the automaker’s approach of pursuing several powertrain technologies in parallel. Research Access for the University of Michigan Toyota plans to open access to the facility and its research capabilities in collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Center. Other research partners will also be able to use its testing and evaluation capabilities. Toyota is a founding member of the Electric Vehicle Center. The collaboration is also intended to support the training of future battery engineers and technicians in Michigan. Source:https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-battery-center-of-north-america-unveiled-at-michigan-rd-campus/

The Fraunhofer Battery Alliance and South Korean partners plan to collaborate more closely on battery technologies, manufacturing processes, and recycling. They signed two memoranda of understanding at Fraunhofer FFB in Münster. The partners include the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and the City of Pohang. Focus on Battery Materials, Cell Manufacturing, and Recycling The planned research with POSTECH and the City of Pohang ranges from materials for lithium-ion batteries to next-generation batteries. It also covers cell technologies, manufacturing processes, recycling, and the circular economy. Pohang plans to provide administrative and funding policy support for collaboration with local companies and international research partnerships. The collaboration with K-eco focuses on recycling end-of-life batteries. The partners also plan to investigate certification and quality assurance procedures for recovered battery materials. Additional research approaches are intended to support compliance with the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. During a seminar in Münster, the participants exchanged information about their research. They also discussed approaches for future joint projects. Testing Under Industrial Conditions in Münster The South Korean delegation also toured FFB PreFab in Münster-Amelsbüren. According to Fraunhofer, the facility provides research infrastructure for battery cell production under conditions close to those used in industry. The equipment is intended to enable testing of new cell concepts, battery materials, and manufacturing processes under realistic operating conditions. The goal is to assess their industrial scalability early and prepare for the transition to high-volume manufacturing. Source:https://www.ffb.fraunhofer.de/en/press/news/Two_Memorandums_Of_Understanding_One_Goal.html

The PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen University is developing processes for the scalable production of multilayer battery electrodes as part of the ProMeBa research project. The project began in June 2026 with partners from research and industry and will run through May 2029. It aims to develop process and equipment solutions that enable industrial production. The electrodes are intended to improve the performance and service life of lithium-ion batteries. From Electrode Design to Pilot Production Multilayer electrodes combine different material and structural properties. This approach is intended to improve ion transport, mechanical stability, and electrochemical performance. The project is therefore investigating materials and layer architectures for anodes and cathodes. Key parameters include the number of layers, their thickness, and changes in material composition between layers. PEM is responsible for developing multilayer anodes and characterizing them in the laboratory. This involves adjusting coating slurry formulations as well as coating and drying conditions. The results will then be transferred to pilot production lines. A modular coating unit is being developed for integration into existing equipment. Two-layer slot-die coating and multilayer curtain coating will be compared under industrially relevant roll-to-roll conditions. The focus is on coating quality, process stability, and scalability. Inline Measurement to Support Quality Assurance In parallel, an inline measurement system is being further developed to continuously monitor the viscosity of coating slurries. It is intended to detect deviations early during production and support consistent electrode quality. Electrochemical testing of electrodes and test cells will provide insight into the performance and stability of the multilayer structures. NETZSCH-Gerätebau coordinates the project under the BMFTR’s B@TS funding call. Other partners include RWTH’s PEM and ISEA chairs, Fraunhofer IKTS, the iPAT Institute at TU Braunschweig, and 8inks Deutschland. Source:https://www.pem.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/buzbym#aaaaaaaaabuzcir

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have signed an agreement to test a new generation of battery cells. The automaker will receive priority access to ProLogium’s so-called Gen4 cells. According to ProLogium, the technology is a lithium-ceramic battery designed to combine characteristics of solid-state and liquid-electrolyte batteries. Whether the technology will eventually be used in production vehicles remains open. The cells will first undergo extensive electrical, thermal, and safety testing. These tests will be carried out at Mercedes-Benz facilities and at external testing institutes. The automaker plans to use the results to assess the technology’s suitability for future vehicle applications. Gen4 battery aims to combine characteristics of solid-state and liquid-electrolyte batteries ProLogium refers to the technology as a “Superfluidized Inorganic Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery.” According to the company, the Gen4 platform is intended to combine high energy density, high charging performance, and safety with scalable manufacturing. The design includes a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separators, and a proprietary safety mechanism. ProLogium also cites fast-charging capability, high power output, and good low-temperature performance. Partnership dates back about ten years Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have been working together since 2016. The partnership has so far included development work and the testing of various cell formats. Mercedes-Benz is also an investor in ProLogium and is represented on the company’s board of directors. ProLogium operates a factory in Taoyuan, Taiwan, where, according to the company, manufacturing processes have been validated at GWh scale. The site produces cells for development vehicles and further testing, among other applications. At the same time, the company is building a facility in Dunkirk, France. The first phase is designed for 4 GWh of annual production capacity. In the long term, ProLogium is targeting up to 44 GWh. Source:https://prologium.com/mercedes-benz-and-prologium-have-entered-into-a-joint-testing-agreement-including-a-preliminary-platform-evaluation-of-of-prologiums-latest-gen4-superfluidized-all-inorganic-solid-state-batt/

Factorial Energy and Mitsui Kinzoku plan to jointly advance the industrialization of solid-state batteries. The collaboration centers on Factorial’s sulfide-based Solstice platform. Mitsui Kinzoku will contribute its solid sulfide electrolyte technology. The partnership primarily targets the transition from development to industrial manufacturing. According to Factorial, the company will remain responsible for cell design and process development. Its role also includes supply chain qualification, line integration, and manufacturing validation. Sulfide Electrolyte for Factorial’s Solstice Battery Mitsui Kinzoku has been developing sulfide electrolytes for solid-state batteries for several years. The company introduced its A-SOLiD electrolyte in 2016. A dedicated production facility is currently being established in Saitama, Japan. The Japanese company’s materials expertise will now be incorporated into Factorial’s Solstice platform. Factorial cites high energy density and improved thermal stability as development targets and characteristics of the platform. Factorial Moves Ahead With Commercialization Factorial reported its first commercial orders for passenger vehicle and aerospace applications in 2026. IQT and POSCO Future M have also invested in the company. Factorial listed on Nasdaq under the ticker FAC in June 2026. Before the listing, Factorial had tested its battery technology with companies including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. Source:https://ir.factorialenergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mitsui-kinzoku-partners-factorial-scale-all-solid-state-battery