China’s biggest battery maker launches aviation division to build electric planes

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)

Click for more news covering the latest on green tech