Solithor and Sonaca sign MoU on solid-state lithium batteries for aircraft

Solithor and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sonaca to jointly develop high-density rechargeable solid-state Lithium battery systems.

The partnership, which will also expand to satellite systems as well as defence systems, leaves Belgian solid-state lithium battery firm Solithor responsible for cell research, development, testing characterisation, format design and production of the cell. Whilst Sonaca will develop the battery packaging, related management systems and certify the system known as 10Ah-40Ah.

Sonaca hopes to contribute to the development of a low-carbon aircraft by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.  The 10Ah-40Ah is being designed for regional aircraft and UAM use cases. 

“That is why in order to achieve such ambitious goals the demand is for the industry to produce low noise and energy efficiencies in the powering of aircraft,” it said. “This would allow the industry to make more effective use of smaller regional airports and go some way to address their under-utilisation across the world – especially in the USA and Europe.”

The cells will be produced and manufactured by Solithor in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, then transported  85km southwest to at Sonaca’s plant in Charleroi. There the aircraft battery systems will be integrated.