Charged up: Vertical partners with Molicel
Vertical Aerospace is partnering with lithium-ion cell-maker, E-One Moli Energy (Molicel) to supply high power cylindrical cells for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL.
The company reviewed dozens of cell manufacturers before selecting Molicel as its battery partner, said Vertical. Molicel was chosen because it is “uniquely placed to meet the performance and safety requirements” of the VX4.
Vertical has now secured the supply of battery cells for the VX4 through to certification and entry into service, Molicel will increase supply as the VX4 is brought into mass production.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder & CEO, 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.”
Molicel has over 40 years experience in energy research and development, specialising in high power, low impedance and fast charge batteries. The firm focuses on high-performance applications for its batteries, technology is already in use with partners including NASA and William’s Advanced Engineering.
Casey Shiue, president, Molicel said: “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.”
Vertical and Molicel have established a joint working group overseeing the battery cell development. The battery system will be certified concurrently with the EU’s Aviation Safety Agency and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority. Vertical is targeting entry into service in 2025.
