CATL Breakthrough: eVTOL Battery with 350 Wh/kg Energy Density Passes Dual Thermal Runaway Test

In August 2026, Chinese giant CATL announced the successful completion of tests for a new battery system developed specifically for passenger eVTOLs — electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The key achievement was demonstrating the battery's ability to withstand simultaneous thermal runaway in two adjacent cells without the failure spreading to other elements. This is the first time in the world that such a scenario has been successfully simulated and prevented in an aviation energy storage system.

Technological Breakthrough: Safety as a Priority

The new battery uses prismatic cells with a specific energy density of 350 Wh/kg — a figure previously considered unattainable for aviation applications. During testing, CATL specialists intentionally triggered thermal runaway in two adjacent cells located in different parts of the system: in the central and corner sections. In all cases, the system was able to isolate the damaged components and stop the chain reaction. For aviation, this is critical: the failure of a few cells should not lead to the ignition of the entire battery, which could be fatal at altitude.

Energy Density and Performance: Balancing Weight and Power

An energy density of 350 Wh/kg is not just a number, but a key factor determining the commercial viability of eVTOLs. Battery mass directly affects flight range, payload capacity, and the number of passengers. At the same time, the battery must not only store a lot of energy but also deliver high power — especially during vertical take-off and landing, when loads are at their maximum. CATL emphasizes that the new system provides an optimal balance between these parameters, making it ideal for serial passenger aircraft.

Partnership with AutoFlight and the Path to Certification

CATL's first partner in implementing the new battery will be the Chinese company AutoFlight (Fengfei Aviation), into which CATL previously invested several hundred million dollars. AutoFlight has already obtained Chinese type and production certificates for the two-ton cargo eVTOL V2000CG CarryAll. The next important model will be the passenger Prosperity — a five-seat eVTOL currently undergoing airworthiness certification. The company expects to complete it in 2026. It is AutoFlight's passenger aircraft that are expected to receive the new CATL batteries first, which will accelerate the technology's market entry.

Contradictory Data

Although CATL states that the tests were conducted in the presence of representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, some industry experts express caution. Specifically, in a report from April 2026 published on chinadaily.com.cn, it is mentioned that certification of new batteries for eVTOLs may take another 12–18 months due to the need for additional tests under real operating conditions. On the other hand, CATL representatives claim that all key parameters already meet ICAO and EASA requirements, and that certification could be completed within the current year. There is no final decision on global certification yet, and both sides continue the dialogue.

Market Prospects and Impact on the Industry

CATL's successful tests could be a turning point for the entire eVTOL industry. Until now, one of the main barriers to the mass adoption of electric aircraft was insufficient battery energy density and safety risks. The new technology allows increasing the flight range to 300–400 km with a full load, making eVTOLs competitive compared to traditional helicopters and even small airplanes. It is expected that the first serial models with CATL batteries will appear on the market by 2028, which could stimulate the growth of the urban air mobility market by 30–40% annually.

Conclusion: The Beginning of a New Era in Aviation

CATL's tests are not just a technical achievement, but a step towards realizing the dream of safe, eco-friendly, and accessible urban aviation. If certification is successful, we will see the emergence of the first commercial eVTOL routes in major metropolises within the next two years. CATL, AutoFlight, and other industry players are ready for this challenge, and 2026 could be the year when electric aircraft cease to be a futuristic fantasy and become a reality.