A British Aircraft Maker and a Taiwanese Battery Company Walk Into a Bar…

Vertical Aerospace—the Bristol-based, British aerospace concern that designs and builds zero emission, electric-powered, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—has announced a partnership with E-One Moli Energy Corp—a Taiwanese manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries under the Molicel brand.

The deal will see Molicel supply high-power cylindrical cells for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft.

By securing an alliance with E-One Moli Energy Corp., Vertical Aerospace avails itself of expertise and experience the Taiwanese company has garnered over its forty-years as a leading supplier of high-power battery cells. Molicel battery technology is in use across the space, automotive, and power-tool sectors with clients the likes of  NASA and Formula-One racing legend, Williams. 

After reviewing the capabilities of dozens of cell manufacturers, Vertical concluded that Molicel is uniquely positioned to meet the performance and safety requirements of the VX4 eVTOL aircraft—which Vertical will now continue developing through to certification and entry into service. 

Battery cells, and the broader battery-system, are critical components of the VX4. The vehicle’s certification and ultimate success are predicated upon its ability to deliver safe, economical, high-performance flight-operations. Molicel furthers Vertical’s objectives by providing the world’s highest power, thermally-stable, longest-lasting, cylindrical cell. 

In addition to its existing production facility in Taiwan’s capital city of Taipei, Molicel plans to open a second, nearly identical facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2023. The advanced manufacturing technology at the two plants will enable not only the mass production of cells for Vertical Aerospace, but the consistency and quality required to meet exacting aerospace standards. 

To date, Vertical has received conditional pre-orders for a total of [up to] 1,350 aircraft. Buyers include: American, Avolon, and Virgin Atlantic Airline; air-charter operator Marubeni; travel coordinator Iberojet; and aircraft broker Bristow.

FMI: www.vertical-aerospace.com