The sodium-ion batteries also have a superior output and cycle life than lithium batteries, per the company. “Our batteries provide the high power over short distances that ground service equipment needs.”
“Natron’s sodium-ion batteries will help the aviation industry achieve its decarbonization and goals,” said Colin Wessells, CEO of Natron Energy. The sodium-ion batteries could be used for charging electric ground equipment and future electric aircraft like air taxis, as well as to improve resiliency during inclement weather, the company said. United currently has more than 12,000 pieces of motorized ground equipment, about one third of which are already electric. “Natron’s cutting-edge sodium-ion batteries presented an ideal opportunity to both potentially expand our sustainability investment portfolio to our ground operations, and to help make our airport operations more resilient.” (Natron Energy) “Out of the gate, we primarily focused on technology designed to help reduce carbon emissions from our airplanes,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airline Ventures, in a release. The investment is part of United Airlines Ventures, a fund that focuses on investing in new technologies and sustainable solutions to help United Airlines meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Natron’s sodium-ion batteries are non-flammable.Īmerica is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news. Lithium-ion batteries are common in consumer electronics, but have a tendency to overheat.
Natron Energy produces high-performance sodium-ion batteries, which, compared with lithium-ion batteries, are safer and have greater power density and recharging speed, according to the company. United Airlines announced a new investment in Natron Energy, a battery manufacturer, to boost electrification of the airline’s ground equipment.Īlthough the company has previously invested in efforts to reduce aircraft emissions, the move is the first that has the potential to reduce United’s greenhouse gas footprint from its ground operations, United said in a statement.
0 kommentar(er)
