Supported in part by an award from the US Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) PROPEL-1K Program The World's Lightest Electric Vehicle Batteries
Wright and Columbia University are developing batteries up to 4x lighter than lithium-ion, using next-generation materials and artificial intelligence.
Marine-1
Aluminum air battery designed for electric container ships and ferries
- Up to 1,000 Wh/kg - 4x lighter than commercial off the shelf lithium-ion
- Low discharge rates for long duration voyages
- Low cost and abundant materials
Air-1
Elevated temperature battery designed for electric airplanes and unmanned aircraft systems
- Up to 800 Wh/kg - enabling 1,000 km range for small UAS
- High discharge rates for fixed-wing aircraft takeoff profiles
- Designed to meet aviation safety standards
AERES
Automated Experimentation with Radical Electrochemical Systems
- Laboratory robots rapidly evaluate electrolyte formulations
- Systematic screening uncovers relevant patterns
- Applies techniques from high throughput drug development
Improving Aviation and Marine Vehicles
- These batteries are tailored to address the demands of applications requiring superior energy density beyond the capabilities of conventional Lithium-ion batteries.
- Wright's endeavors have resulted in the development of pioneering battery cell designs initially intended for electric aircraft propulsion, with versatile applications extending to sectors such as heavy-duty transportation, mining machinery, and advanced defense systems.
- These batteries offer the potential to increase the operational range of heavy duty electric vehicles, enhancing the cost-effectiveness and viability of these platforms.
Reducing Environmental Impact
- Wright's batteries aim to quadruple the operational range of aircraft, heralding a significant advancement in their capabilities.
- These efforts pave the way for the realization of expansive zero-emission passenger aircraft, marking a pivotal milestone in sustainable aviation development.
- Leveraging these batteries in semi-trucks and maritime vessels holds the potential to substantially mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and diesel particle pollution, fostering a greener and more environmentally conscious transportation ecosystem.
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