Las Vegas, 21 October 2024 – At the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, launched its new lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery tailored for the aviation sector. This 28V battery represents a significant advancement in terms of weight reduction, energy density, total cost of ownership (TCO), and CO₂ emissions.

The battery is capable of storing over twice the energy of a lead-acid battery at the same weight and one and a half times the energy at the same volume. Transitioning to lithium-ion technology could result in a weight reduction of 20 to 30 kilograms per aircraft, positively influencing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Saft has unveiled this new 28-volt lithium-ion battery designed for backup power and engine starting in business jets and helicopters. This battery is noted for its compact size, lightweight construction, and enhanced energy density, which contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.

The new lithium-ion battery offers 20 percent more capacity compared to existing alternatives and operates without the need for maintenance.

Saft has over 25 years of experience in applying Li-ion battery technology across various demanding applications, including satellites, spacecraft, motor racing, and defense. Annie Sennet, Executive VP of the Aerospace, Defense, and Performance division, stated, “We have a long track record in providing Li-ion technology for aviation with the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) and other commercial programs.”

Sennet noted, “Our new lithium-ion battery for aviation utilizes all this expertise translating it into an innovative solution, long-awaited by the industry, that offers a safe, cost-effective, high-performance, and weight-saving alternative to lead-acid technology.”

This maintenance-free battery is developed using Saft’s proprietary cell chemistry. With over 20,000 units currently in operation in challenging environments, each battery includes integrated smart capabilities for real-time monitoring of battery health and status. The design features an aerospace-grade MIL-Spec interface and meets the thermal runaway containment requirements of DO-311A1.

As a company that manages the entire battery development process from design to production, Saft claims to ensure high safety and performance standards. The new battery has been developed at R&D facilities in Cockeysville, USA, and Bordeaux, France, with manufacturing and qualification taking place at one of its existing aviation-certified facilities.