Oxfordshire-based Oxis Energy is about to commence the development of lightweight lithium sulphur (Li-S) cells for US-based Bye Aerospace, the developer of the all-electric eFlyer family of aircraft.

CEO Huw Hampson-Jones said (www.oxisenergy.com): “Aviation is one of Oxis’ target markets, and a key measure of our suitability is being able to consistently produce cells in excess of 400Wh/kg, which are already under-going evaluation.

The company expects to achieve 500Wh/kg by early 2020.

“Our Li-S cells and battery systems are ideally suited for aviation.

“They are over 50% lighter than the current Li-ion cell and battery systems, with the winning formula of a high-energy cell at the required power.

“The use of the same cell format across batteries will help our customers to minimise cost and improve serviceability.”

Bye Aerospace CEO George Bye said (www.byeaerospace.com): “New Li-S battery cells from Oxis have the potential to greatly enhance the quality, cost and performance of eFlyer 4 and our other aircraft projects.

“Bye Aerospace is working with Oxis on the Li-S battery cell characteristics to significantly improve our eFlyer 4 and future air-taxi aircraft designs’ performance.

"The average age of the global market for the turboprop fleet is 28 years.

“Oxis has the potential to provide a Li-S battery cell that is truly a game changer.”

In ground tests in Europe, Oxis Li-S technology has demonstrated a significant improvement in simulated flight duration compared with lithium NMC; the company will now undertake a further series of tests that will provide a robust indication of Li-S performance.

Over the next 18 months, the aim is to move towards the production of commercial cells and battery systems in order to meet the volume roll-out criteria set by Bye Aerospace.