CATL Invests in AutoFlight to Develop Batteries for Electric Aircraft
Chinese battery giant CATL has significantly expanded its presence in the electric aviation sector by investing several hundred million US dollars in AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based startup specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Announced on August 3, this funding round sees CATL replacing Team Global as a major investor, positioning it as the second-largest shareholder behind AutoFlight founder Tian Yu. The strategic partnership aims to jointly develop advanced battery technologies designed to enhance the flight range and safety of eVTOL vehicles. This move aligns with CATL's broader ambitions in next-generation energy storage, as highlighted by founder Robin Zeng at the World Economic Forum. Zeng previously indicated that CATL's upcoming condensed matter batteries could enable flight ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 kilometers within the next few years. This investment underscores the growing convergence between the electric vehicle industry and urban air mobility, marking a significant step in the commercialization of flying cars and advanced air transport solutions in China.
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CATL Invests in AutoFlight to Develop Batteries for Electric Aircraft
Chinese battery giant CATL has significantly expanded its presence in the electric aviation sector by investing several hundred million US dollars in AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based startup specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Announced on August 3, this funding round sees CATL replacing Team Global as a major investor, positioning it as the second-largest shareholder behind AutoFlight founder Tian Yu. The strategic partnership aims to jointly develop advanced battery technologies designed to enhance the flight range and safety of eVTOL vehicles. This move aligns with CATL's broader ambitions in next-generation energy storage, as highlighted by founder Robin Zeng at the World Economic Forum. Zeng previously indicated that CATL's upcoming condensed matter batteries could enable flight ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 kilometers within the next few years. This investment underscores the growing convergence between the electric vehicle industry and urban air mobility, marking a significant step in the commercialization of flying cars and advanced air transport solutions in China.
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