Battery Lifespan in Electric Aircraft: Insights from 20+ Years of Experience

Lange Aviation GmbH, a pioneer in electric aviation, has recently conducted an in-depth study on the lifespan and aging of propulsion batteries in aircraft. As the developer of the world's first electric aircraft with wing-integrated batteries, Lange Aviation brings unparalleled insights from over two decades of real-world experience.

Background

Since 1996, Lange Aviation, founded by Axel Lange, has been at the forefront of electric aircraft development. With over 100 electric aircraft produced and more than 220,000 operational flight hours logged, Lange Aviation possesses the most extensive experience of any electric aircraft manufacturer.

Key Findings

Our research, based on extensive testing and analysis of aged E1 Antares propulsion batteries, has revealed several critical insights:

1. Natural Aging Process: Battery aging occurs over time, regardless of usage patterns.
2. Multiple Aging Mechanisms: Various factors contribute to battery degradation, potentially affecting both safety and performance.
3. Safety Considerations: Current research cannot conclusively rule out potential hazards associated with aged batteries.?

Proposed Lifespan and Extension

Based on our findings, we've proposed a 20-year lifespan for E1 Antares propulsion batteries. This can be extended to 20.5 years following comprehensive testing. Importantly, the LBA and EASA have approved the inclusion of aging considerations in the maintenance manual for Antares aircraft equipped with second-generation batteries.

Real-World Testing and Analysis

Our study included:

- Extensive measurements on aged E1 Antares propulsion batteries

- Analysis of battery performance over the time of two decades

- Evaluation of safety parameters for aged cells

- Assessment of battery aging effects on aircraft flight manual data

Unique Perspective

As the only company with over 20 years of experience in deploying aircraft with wing-integrated batteries, Lange Aviation offers an unparalleled perspective on battery lifespan evaluation in real-world conditions. Our hands-on experience with battery systems, as shown in the provided images, allows us to provide valuable insights into long-term battery performance and safety in aviation applications.

Do propulsion batteries in aircraft have a limited lifespan? Yes - battery aging occurs naturally over time (calendar aging), even without usage (cycle-based aging). Various aging mechanisms can impact both safety and performance. Current research is unable to completely eliminate the risks associated with aged batteries. By selecting particularly suitable cells and limiting the operational range to lower stress levels, we have extended the natural lifespan to 20 years (comparing high-performance vs. high-energy cells). This lifespan has been recognized by regulatory authorities.

Looking Ahead?

As the industry continues to grow, understanding and addressing battery aging will be crucial for maintaining safety and performance standards. Our approved maintenance procedures for aged batteries set a new benchmark in the industry.

We invite further discussion and collaboration within the aviation community to advance our understanding of this critical issue and develop appropriate regulatory frameworks.