CATL's 350 Wh/kg cell achieved aviation-grade safety. Image created by CarNewsChina Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member The CATL’s battery cell with an energy density of 350 Wh/kg completed safety tests in China, becoming the world’s first prismatic cell with such a density to achieve the aviation-grade safety standard. The 350 Wh/kg cell will be used in the battery system of manned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) models. CATL announced that the newly developed 350 Wh/kg battery cell had completed the testing phase. The largest EV battery maker’s personnel triggered thermal runaway of two bordering cells at various locations within the battery pack, including the center and corners. We will remind you that thermal runaway is a chain reaction that leads to an uncontrolled temperature surge. It frequently results in fires or explosions. Representatives appointed by the CAAC witnessed the test. Credit: CATL According to CATL, the entire system didn’t experience a chain reaction of heat and fire spreading to neighboring cells from a single cell, avoiding thermal propagation. No surrounding cells were ignited, maintaining a safe baseline. The cell manufacturing, the pack assembly, and the test process were witnessed and reviewed by representatives appointed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). READ ALSO CATL joins BYD in targeting 2027 solid-state battery trial production According to CATL, the test data can be directly used for subsequent airworthiness certification of the entire eVTOL. The battery maker mentioned that the vast majority of eVTOLs adopt battery cells with densities lying within the 280 – 320 Wh/kg range. Therefore, the freshly tested 350 Wh/kg cell is considered top-tier. It is worth noting that CATL didn’t provide the exact energy density of the whole battery pack. This figure is usually significantly lower as the measures include the entire assembled system. The higher energy density translates into longer range, reduced weight, and increased payload, important for eVTOLs. According to CATL, the 350 Wh/kg prismatic cell is ready for mass production. It will be first installed in the Autoflight manned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The Autoflight V2000EM Prosperity. Credit: Autoflight This Shanghai-based eVTOL maker produces a wide range of models, including the V2000EM Prosperity aircraft with a wingspan of 15 meters and six seats in the cabin. Its current maximum takeoff weight is 2,400 kg. The operational range reaches 200 km, while the maximum operating altitude is 3,000 meters. According to China EV DataTracker, CATL is China’s largest battery maker, with 32.59 GWh of installed capacity in June 2026. It has a 43.2% market share in its domestic market. It’s also the world’s largest battery maker, supplying cells to both Chinese and international automakers. Most important news in your inbox. Recaps · scheduled All you need, in one email. Instant alerts · real-time Ping me when an article goes live. 0 of 27 topics selected Bundle into one email per day — instead of one email per article No spam · Unsubscribe with one click · Change settings anytime