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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece here in The Independent or enjoy below
🗞️ Driving the news: China's leading EV battery manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), has initiated an aviation division with ambitions to mass-produce electric planes
• This follows the company reportedly reaching a critical commercial electric aircraft requirement: an energy density of 500 Wh/kg
🔭 The context: CATL's entry into electric aviation marks a major stride towards commercializing electric planes
• Known for supplying Tesla with EV batteries, the company's partnership with state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) comes after four years of committed research in this field
🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: Electric planes, like electric cars, can operate on renewable energy, mitigating the environmental impact of air travel
⏭️ What's next: CATL hasn't revealed its electric plane battery production timeline yet, but appears ready for rapid mass production
• This development, concurrent with notable progress like Israel-based Eviation's inaugural electric commuter plane flight, signals a potential transition towards electric aviation
💬 One quote: "With an energy density of up to 500Wh/kg, it can achieve a high energy density and a high level of safety at the same time in a creative manner, opening up a brand-new electrification scenario of passenger aircrafts” (Statement issued by CATL)
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