Lilium Electric Jet Batteries: Customcells Partnership

Lilium Partners with Customcells for Battery Supply

Lilium, an electric air taxi innovator, has selected German manufacturer Customcells to provide the battery systems for its seven-passenger Lilium Jet. This collaboration marks a significant step in the development of the aircraft.

Battery Development and Manufacturing

The intellectual property related to the battery technology stems from the contributions of “multiple players,” according to a Lilium spokesperson. However, Customcells will be solely responsible for the manufacturing process.

While the precise number of battery systems covered by the agreement remains undisclosed, Lilium has confirmed that Customcells is guaranteed to deliver capacity through 2026.

Customcells' Expertise

Customcells is a specialist in high-performance lithium-ion batteries, catering to the demanding needs of the aerospace, automotive, and maritime sectors.

Recently, the company announced a joint venture with Porsche AG, named Cellforce Group. This venture will focus on the small-scale production of batteries specifically for racing cars and high-performance vehicles.

Expanding Partnerships for the Lilium Jet

This battery supply agreement is the latest in a series of partnerships Lilium has forged in preparation for component and vehicle testing.

The Munich-based eVTOL company has cultivated an international network of suppliers, including:

• Toray Industries (Japan) for carbon fiber composites
• Aciturri (Spain) for the jet’s airframe
• Palantir Technologies (an investor) for software services
• Honeywell for the flight control and avionics system

Outsourcing Strategy

Lilium’s decision to outsource the production of key components differentiates it from other leading eVTOL developers, such as Joby Aviation, who maintain a more integrated, in-house approach.

This strategy offers several benefits. It allows Lilium to avoid substantial investments in manufacturing facilities and specialized production equipment.

However, a primary advantage, according to Lilium executives, may be a streamlined certification process.

Regulatory Approval and Commercial Operations

The Lilium Jet requires regulatory approval from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EUSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate commercially in the EU and the U.S., respectively.

Lilium aims to begin commercial operations in 2024, aligning with the ambitious timelines of other industry players.

Utilizing components from established aerospace suppliers, which may already meet recognized regulatory performance standards, could expedite the certification process.

The Value of Collaboration

“Collaborating with experts and aerospace partners is a deliberate choice for us,” stated Lilium’s chief program officer, Yves Yemsi. “It will help us to reduce our time to market and still ensure safety.”