Montavista's Breakthrough Lithium Metal Battery Achieves 1280+ Cycles in eVTOL Testing

Montavista's High-Performance Lithium Metal Battery

During the 31st AERO Friedrichshafen aviation exhibition in Germany, Montavista Energy Technologies Corporation (Anhui) announced remarkable results from its cycling performance tests on the METARY® P lithium-metal battery. This cutting-edge battery has demonstrated its capability of sustaining over 1,280 cycles under an eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) flight profile. Its specific energy density is a striking 400 Wh/kg, coupled with a capacitance retention rate of 99%.

The significance of these metrics extends beyond mere numbers; they directly correlate with flight reliability and the commercial operational efficiency of electric aircraft. A higher energy density translates into longer, uninterrupted flight times, while an extensive cycle life elevates the reusability of batteries, which can drastically reduce the operating costs associated with electric aircraft.

Montavista's latest testing results reveal that the METARY® P battery not only provides a commendable specific energy density but also offers a cycle life that other lithium metal battery (LMB) products have struggled to match. Such exceptional performance data delivers crucial capabilities for the commercial deployment of a range of electric-powered aircraft.

As a pioneer in the realm of high-energy electro-batteries for aviation, Montavista previously announced the METARY® E series in 2020, boasting an impressive specific energy density of 500 Wh/kg. These were designed for applications like High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), requiring a lower discharge rate. The launch of the METARY® P series in 2023 is a strategic move aimed at customers needing both high energy density and elevated discharge rates (greater than 10C), making them suitable for eVTOL and drone applications. Since the launch, Montavista has actively collaborated with clients to enhance the overall performance of its products.

This breakthrough concerning the cycle performance of the METARY® P high-performance battery addresses many challenges faced by manufacturers and operators of eVTOL aircraft, specifically concerning the need for reliable and cost-effective operations in real-life scenarios. During a keynote speech at the "AERO Hydrogen and Battery Summit" at the AERO Friedrichshafen, Professor Yuegang Zhang, the founder of Montavista, pointed out that the high specific energy density offered by lithium-metal anodes establishes LMBs as an optimal choice for future all-electric aircraft.

In collaboration with its clients, Montavista is devoted to providing technologies that contribute to the green transformation of the aviation industry, ensuring that electric flight becomes not just a possibility but a reality in commercial aviation. This breakthrough not only highlights Montavista's commitment to innovation but also paves the way for advancements in battery technology that could lead to significant enhancements in the sustainability and efficiency of electric aircraft operations.

As the demand for battery-powered solutions continues to rise, Montavista is well-positioned to lead the charge, providing batteries that meet and exceed the needs of modern aviation.