Abstract
Electric aviation depends on batteries that deliver very high energy density without compromising power, safety, or system integration. A review of FEV’s battery-cell database, covering more than 1,600 cells across different chemistries, shows that the ultra-high-energy region is increasingly occupied by lithium-metal and anode-free technologies. In this article, FEV summarises benchmarking results from a high-energy anode-free prototype cell selected for aviation-relevant assessment. The cell demonstrated specific energy above 410 Wh/kg and strong discharge capability with lower self-heating than a conventional NMC-graphite reference cell. Thermal-abuse testing also indicated promising stability, with no thermal runaway observed up to 190 degrees C under the applied ARC Heat-Wait-Seek procedure. At the same time, cycling stability and cell swelling remain key development challenges that must be solved at module and pack level. The results illustrate the central message of HyLiST: exceptional cell performance must be translated into manufacturable, safe, and durable battery systems before high-energy technologies can become a practical reality for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.
About the author
Dr. Arash Payandeh is a Technical Specialist for Battery Cells at FEV Europe GmbH, where he focuses on advanced battery cell development, technology selection, and next-generation energy storage solutions. His work includes managing battery cell development projects, supporting customers in cell technology selection and assessment, conducting material analysis and cell teardown investigations, and leading the development of advanced battery testing laboratories.
Prior to joining FEV, he held postdoctoral research positions at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Empa, where his research focused on solid-state batteries, cathode development, silicon anodes, and advanced solid electrolytes. He received his Ph.D. from Aarhus University, Denmark, specialising in solid-state ion conductors and energy-storage materials.
His current activities combine battery cell development, technology assessment, prototyping, advanced testing, and emerging battery technologies, with a strong focus on bridging innovative research concepts and industrial applications. Through European research initiatives such as HyLiST and other collaborative projects, he contributes to the development of next-generation battery technologies for sustainable mobility and high-performance energy storage systems.