Sustainable Aviation

Safran partners with Cuberg to develop battery systems for eVTOL

Safran partners with Cuberg to develop battery systems for eVTOL.
Cuberg's battery systems are built on its configurable module, which has demonstrated a specific energy of 280 Wh/kg and an energy density of 320 Wh/L.

Cuberg will manufacture rechargeable aviation battery systems based on its lithium metal cells, modules, and packs. Safran Electrical & Power will develop global energy storage systems.

Safran Electrical & Power, a leader in electric aircraft systems, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Cuberg, a subsidiary of battery manufacturer Northvolt, to jointly develop an aviation energy storage system for future electric and hybrid aircraft. This partnership will combine their respective technologies and expertise to create a high-performance propulsive energy storage system. Cuberg, a vertically integrated battery provider, will manufacture and supply rechargeable aviation battery systems based on its lithium metal cells, modules, and packs. Safran Electrical & Power will design and develop global energy storage systems, including high-voltage protection components, integration, certification, and in-service support.

Cuberg’s battery systems are built on its configurable module, which has demonstrated a specific energy of 280 Wh/kg and an energy density of 320 Wh/L. This specific energy is up to 40% higher than comparable modules based on lithium-ion technology, providing increased flight range and enabling new use cases for electric and hybrid aviation.

The Cuberg module features the company’s 20 Ampere-hour lithium metal cell technology, which uses a lithium metal anode and proprietary liquid electrolyte to simultaneously address the challenges of high-performance cell design and manufacturability.

“We are excited to team with Cuberg as they propose unrivaled disruptive battery cell technologies associated with a best-in-class industrialization process strongly supported by Northvolt. Their unique technology, combined with our expertise in aircraft electrical systems, will enable cutting-edge energy storage systems for future platforms.” said Bruno Bellanger, Vice President & General Manager of Power division, Safran Electrical & Power.

Safran Electrical & Power’s collaboration with Cuberg is a significant step toward advancing electric and hybrid aviation, with the goal of creating high-performance energy storage solutions for future generations of aircraft.

Safran is a global high-technology group that operates in several key markets, including aviation (propulsion, equipment, and interiors), defense, and space. The company’s overarching mission is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world by making air transport more environmentally friendly, comfortable, and accessible. Safran is a prominent presence on the global stage, with a workforce of 83,000 employees and 2022 sales totaling 19.0 billion euros. The company holds leading positions, either independently or through partnerships, in its core markets, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence.

 “This partnership with Safran Electrical & Power will help both companies provide certifiable integrated battery systems to aviation customers around the world, and we are thrilled to be working with such an elite and respected provider of aviation products.” said Richard Wang, CEO and Founder, Cuberg. “Cuberg has built the world’s most established high-performance aviation battery systems program, and this agreement is a welcome endorsement of our technology, our people, and our vision for the future of flight,” he further added.

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Safran Electrical & Power, a subsidiary of Safran, is a major player in the aircraft electrical systems sector. With a workforce of 11,500 employees spread across 13 different countries, this division is at the forefront of equipment electrification and electric and hybrid propulsion technologies. Safran Electrical & Power plays a critical role in advancing aviation’s electrification and sustainability efforts by developing cutting-edge solutions for the aerospace industry.