French aerospace giant Safran has announced a partnership with Cuberg, a California-based subsidiary of Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, which specializes in the development of advanced lithium metal batteries for aviation.
After signing the agreement, both firms will cooperate in the technical, industrial, and commercial spheres, leveraging their complementary expertise to develop energy storage systems for electric and hybrid aircraft.
Under the new arrangement, Cuberg will focus on the design and manufacture of lithium metal battery systems. Safran Electrical & Power, the arm of the company involved in the project, will design and develop a smart energy storage system, including its high voltage protection components and provide certification and in-service support.
The Lithium-Metal technology being pioneered by Cuberg is seen as a promising path in the quest to increase the energy density of batteries up to a point that enables larger and longer-range electric aircraft to fly.
Cuberg announced in April 2023 that it had developed a 280 Wh/kg battery module which delivers 40% higher specific energy than comparable lithium-ion systems.