Lilium Has Started Production of High-Performance Battery Packs for its eVTOL, the Lilium Jet
(Munich, Germany) Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle developer Lilium N.V. announced today that it has started production of the advanced, aviation grade battery packs that will power the Lilium Jet on its first piloted flight, targeted for the end of 2024.
Rendering of Lilium's eVTOL, the Lilum Jet, in flight, courtesy of Lilium.
The Lilium Jet battery packs are being assembled at Lilium’s purpose-built battery factory, located at Lilium’s headquarters outside Munich, with the aid of new generation digital tools that enable process control, efficient data collection and traceability, according to today’s press release from Lilium.
Lilium has been supported in the design of the assembly line and initial production ramp up by suppliers with extensive experience in battery industrialization, especially in the automotive sector, according to the company.
Lilium’s battery pack is comprised of lithium-ion cells with silicon-dominant anodes that will allow for higher energy, power, and faster-charging capabilities than graphite anode cells, according to Lilium. Leading automakers such as Mercedes (MBG-DE:XETRA), Porsche (P911-DE:XETRA), and General Motors (GM) (NYSE: GM) also plan to incorporate silicon anode technology into their premium electric vehicles, per Lilium.
Lilium has secured comprehensive intellectual property rights for its unique battery technology, according to today’s press release.
“The start of production of the battery packs is a proud moment for Lilium," said Yves Yemsi, COO of Lilium said. "Battery technology is central to the goal of delivering sustainable regional air mobility, including overcoming the challenges of developing and industrializing a battery pack that will meet the stringent safety standards of aircraft certification. With the start of production of the Lilium Jet’s unique high-performance aircraft battery packs, Lilium has laid a further cornerstone towards realizing the vision of electric aviation.”