CALB manufactures batteries for Aridge
The so-called ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ refers to Aridge’s unique vehicle concept: a hybrid air and land vehicle system. The ‘flying car’ itself is an eVTOL – an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. However, it cannot drive on its own; instead, it docks with a three-axle transporter that houses the electric powertrain for ground travel. The ground-based vehicle has space for significantly larger batteries and is designed to recharge the aircraft between flights. Aridge first introduced this concept in October 2023.The cylindrical cells now manufactured by CALB for this system, designated R46, offer an energy density of up to 360 Wh/kg. These are hybrid batteries, combining both liquid and solid electrolyte components. This is achieved through a high nickel content in the cathode and a high silicon content in the anode. CALB specifies a maximum discharge rate of 25C.The batteries are to be produced ‘to aviation standards’, ensuring particularly high safety requirements, as reported in Chinese sources. For example, they have passed a drop test from a height of 15.2 metres without catching fire or leaking fluids. According to CALB, over 100,000 cells have been tested to meet ‘both automotive regulations and aviation airworthiness certifications.’Aridge, formerly known as Xpeng Aeroht, recently raised the equivalent of $200 million in a funding round in mid-March. The funds are earmarked for financing the path to series production. As reported in January, Xpeng plans to take its subsidiary Aridge public this year and is said to have already submitted a corresponding application in Hong Kong. Major banks JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley have reportedly been commissioned to prepare the flying car business for its initial public offering.cnevpost.com, acnnewswire.com (CALB announcement)
