The statement that Chinese firms dealing in green mobility and EV technology are miles ahead of the rest is not an exaggeration. The same can be understood by the latest development that comes directly from Fujian in China.
Those closely monitoring or familiar with the realm of EV technology would recognise CATL as being a renowned Chinese battery player. Several others would describe CATL as being a global leader among new energy innovative technologies.
As a matter of fact, CATL is commonly known for diverse energy storage solutions. The company is primarily known for its noted work in the realm of lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
However, now, the firm that began operations in 2011, is actually all set to take to the skies.
So what has happened at CATL?
Media reports state that the company is developing a first-of-its-kind electric plane. The electric aeroplane is supposed to have a range of 3,000 km. The Chinese giant says that it has already completed a successful test of the said plane.
What more do we know about CATL’s new electric plane?
This is a 4-tonne electric plane that is powered by high-density batteries. The creation is a result of the aviation division, the latest addition to the diverse firm. Interestingly, this division came into effect in 2023 and has big plans in the field of civil electric aircraft manufacturing.
Having said that, it must be stated that the 4-tonne plane is just the beginning for the company. The big current focus under the Aviation division at CATL is on making an 8-tonne pure electric aircraft.
The same is being planned to be launched around 2028, although no confirmation on the date is available as yet.
What is interesting about the 8-tonne electric aircraft?
This new civil electric aircraft could offer a mammoth range. The same could be around 1,200 up to 1,800 miles. That is nothing shy of 2,000 or up to 3,000 kilometres.
However, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, too is behind the aircraft, which is under development.
At the heart of such monumental development is the high-density battery that will propel the plane to cover a huge distance.
If you talk about CATL from a vantage point, then it could be argued, that the philosophy of the firm is to develop better batteries. It is also focused on playing a dominant role in the rising sphere of electrification in the industry. The same, it believes, is a global shift of sorts.
Therefore, how to develop better-condensed batteries for aircraft forms a key focus for the Chinese battery giant. Make no mistake, the firm is responsible for a third of the world’s lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
Earlier this year, CATL was in the news for signing up with noted EV car company Nio to create longer-life EV batteries.
