Amprius Unveils New 500 Wh/kg Battery Cell for Extended Drone Flight Durations
- Published
- Source
- Dronelife.com
Amprius Technologies has launched a silicon-anode battery cell aimed at enhancing the endurance of uncrewed aircraft. The new SiCore cell boasts an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) at a continuous discharge rate of 1C, with commercial availability anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company plans to provide both customer-specific and standard pouch formats for small uncrewed aircraft systems.
This development is significant as higher energy density in aviation can lead to longer flight times, increased range, or the ability to carry heavier payloads without adding battery weight. Amprius has previously achieved similar energy levels but faced challenges in scaling production. The SiCore platform aims to simplify the manufacturing process, allowing customers to transition from qualification to volume production without the need for specialized equipment.
Looking ahead, Amprius will initiate production at its Fremont, California facility and expand through global manufacturing partners. The company has a history of supplying battery cells to AALTO HAPS, which develops solar-electric aircraft. As energy density is crucial for long-duration flights, advancements in this area could significantly enhance operational capabilities for various applications, including fixed-wing drones and High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS).
Original report
Amprius Targets Longer Drone Flights With New 500 Wh/kg Battery Cell
Dronelife.com · Miriam McNabbThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
Rights concerns? Contact [email protected] with the relevant URL and details. We will review the matter and take appropriate action where warranted.
More related news
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
-
11
Glacian: Physics Model Vets AI Data Center Cooling RobotToday · 3 weeks ago
- 12
Related Suppliers
Amprius Technologies
Fremont, California maker of silicon-anode lithium-ion battery cells reaching 450 Wh/kg for drone, eVTOL, and aviation use.
AALTO
Farnborough, UK Airbus subsidiary founded 2022 that builds and flies the solar-electric Zephyr HAPS drone; holds a 67-day stratospheric flight record.
Seismic
Menlo Park wearable robotics firm (2015, SRI spinout); Powered Clothing with Flex-Drive muscles provides ergonomic support.
Sion Power Corporation
US lithium-metal battery company developing Licerion® cells (up to 510 Wh/kg) for defense UAVs and drones; Brookhaven National Lab spin-off with 430+ patents.
SiFly Aviation, Inc.
US startup building NDAA-compliant, long-endurance electric VTOL drones; Q12 set Guinness record with 3h 11min flight in 2025.
Packet Digital
US engineering firm developing power-management ICs and US-made lithium-ion smart batteries for drones and UAS, extending flight time and payload.
Jiangsu Reliance Energy Tech. 睿恩新能源
Jiangsu-based tabless large cylindrical lithium battery maker targeting robotics, AGVs, e-bikes, eVTOLs, and power tools.
Rohmann-Automation GmbH
Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany automation firm led by founder Jascha Rohmann; builds modular robotic infrastructure for welding, laser, and e-mobility lines.
Aviation Design
French UAV specialist designing and manufacturing fixed-wing drones, aerial targets, and demonstrators for defense and civil use.
UAV Systems International
Las Vegas-based builder of Pixhawk-based Aurelia heavy-lift drones with 1.5 to 11 kg payloads; sells NDAA 848 and TAA compliant platforms worldwide.
Silent Falcon UAS Technologies
US manufacturer of solar-electric long-endurance sUAS for surveillance, ISR, and infrastructure inspection missions.
Tulip Tech
Dutch UAV battery manufacturer founded 2020 in Den Bosch, producing high-density lithium packs (up to 450 Wh/kg) that extend drone flight times by 30–100%.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.