NASA developing ‘solid-state’ battery for electric aircraft

NASA is developing a battery pack that it says is “lighter, safer, and performs better” than batteries used in electric vehicles today. 

Researchers are investigating the use of solid-state batteries. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, solid-states do not contain liquids, which can cause overheating, fire, and loss of charge over time.

Solid-state batteries can also hold more energy and perform better in stressful environments than standard lithium-ion batteries, according to researchers.

NASA believes these batteries can be used in aviation applications such as electric propelled aircraft and AAM.

The agency launched the Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety (SABERS) research team.

“SABERS continues to exceed its goals,” said Rocco Viggiano, principal investigator, SABERS, at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “We’re starting to approach this new frontier of battery research that could do so much more than lithium-ion batteries can. The possibilities are pretty incredible.”

SABERS researchers have partnered with several organisations, including Georgia Tech, Argonne National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, as well as other projects within NASA Aeronautics.

“Georgia Tech has a big focus on micromechanics of how the cell changes during operation. That helped us look at the pressures inside the battery, which then helped us improve the battery even more,” said Viggiano. “It also led us to understand from a practical standpoint how to manufacture a cell like this, and it led us to some ot