Airbus and Renault have signed a deal to carry out research and development they say is aimed at "enhancing transversalities and synergies to accelerate both companies’ electrification roadmaps".
The two manufacturers' engineers "will join forces to mature technologies related to energy storage, which remains one of the main roadblocks for the development of long-range electric vehicles", according to a joint statement, which explained that the deal is to "cover technology bricks related to energy management optimisation and battery weight improvement, and will look for the best pathways to move from current cell chemistries to all solid-state designs which could double the energy density of batteries in the 2030 timeframe"
“For the first time, two European leaders from different industries are sharing engineering knowledge to shape the future of hybrid-electric aircraft", said Gilles Le Borgne.
“This cross-industry partnership with Renault Group will help us mature the next generation of batteries as part of Airbus’ electrification roadmap,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus chief technical officer.
More information on the work is to be discussed at this week's Airbus Summit.