Wright receives a $3.34 million grant from FAA FAST for ultralight batteries.

Wright Electric and its partners have been selected for a $3.34 million grant from the FAA’s FAST program to develop a new class of batteries that will enable zero-emissions flight in large aircraft with over 100 passenger seats.

There is widespread agreement that reducing battery weight is the biggest technical challenge preventing the deployment of electric aircraft. The goal of the research and development program is to design high-energy-density batteries that store about three times more energy per pound of weight than the best electric car batteries. These batteries would enable the widespread deployment of electric aircraft in the 100-plus passenger segment.

Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright Electric, said:

When Wright Electric was founded in 2016, the idea of ​​a battery that would allow aircraft to fly regional routes with reserves seemed like pure fantasy to most people.

“Now we are one of several companies pursuing a viable path toward technology that will enable regional aircraft to fly entirely on battery power.”

Wright was founded to reduce the climate and noise impact of the aerospace industry by building electric aircraft. Wright is focused on the 100+ passenger aircraft market, as this segment is responsible for more than 90% of the aerospace industry’s carbon emissions. Wright builds ultra-high-power electric aircraft engines and ultra-lightweight batteries for these aircraft. Wright works with NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The batteries Wright is developing will use a novel molten lithium-sulfur chemistry with the potential to achieve about three times the gravimetric energy capacity of commercial lithium-ion batteries. In this program, Wright will place emphasis on reducing the risks associated with flightworthiness and mass production.

“We are excited about the opportunity to further develop this technology and accelerate the decarbonization of air transport in New York State,”

“This award will significantly accelerate our work to promote clean air travel and we are excited to get started.”

Funding for the FAA FAST program came from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Congressman Paul D. Tonko, said:

As one of Congress’s leading advocates for innovation and the advancement of clean energy technologies, I am extremely pleased that Malta-based Wright Electric is receiving this significant federal funding injection.

“This grant, one of only 36 awarded nationwide through the FAA FAST program, will provide $3.34 million to advance Wright’s groundbreaking work on ultralight batteries for use in commercial passenger flights. When I visited their facility in 2022, I was deeply impressed by their commitment to pioneering zero-emission regional flight, and I have been proud to support their efforts to attract new federal investment over the past few years. This award represents a critical step forward for Wright Electric and for our Capital Region as we continue to lead the nation in the fight against climate change. Looking forward, I want to continue working with local companies to find innovative solutions to combat our climate crisis.”

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Wright receives $3.34 million contract from FAA FAST for ultralight batteries. Source