Lilium : The First Electric Vertical Take-Off & Landing Jet
Why does Lilium have more opportunity for success than other eVTOL companies?
The success of a company depends on a multitude of factors that are complex and dynamic, including market demand, technology readiness, regulatory environment, competition, financial resources, leadership, and many other variables. Here are some factors that contribute to Lilium's opportunities for success:
- Innovative Technology: Lilium has developed a unique eVTOL aircraft design that features electric ducted fan engines, which enable vertical takeoff and landing, and transition to horizontal flight. This innovative design could provide advantages in terms of efficiency, performance, and safety, which may differentiate Lilium from other eVTOL companies and attract potential customers and investors.
- Experienced Team: Lilium has a team with a diverse range of expertise and experience in aviation, engineering, and technology. The team includes professionals with backgrounds in aerospace, automotive, and other relevant industries, which could provide them with valuable insights and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the eVTOL market.
- Strong Partnerships: Lilium has formed strategic partnerships with established companies, and signed agreements with potential customers, such as regional airlines and transportation companies (see below). These partnerships could provide Lilium with access to resources, expertise, and market opportunities, which may enhance their chances of success.
- Market Demand: There is a growing interest in eVTOL aircraft for urban mobility, regional transportation, and other applications. As cities become more congested and the need for sustainable transportation solutions increases, there could be a growing market demand for eVTOL aircraft, and Lilium's innovative technology and solutions could position them well to capitalize on this market potential.
- Regulatory Support: The regulatory environment for eVTOL aircraft is evolving, with many governments and aviation authorities showing interest and support for the development of this emerging technology. Lilium has been working closely with regulatory bodies and has obtained certifications for its aircraft, which could indicate regulatory support and a favorable environment for their operations.
Investors
Lilium has raised a total of $945.4M in funding over 7 rounds. Their latest funding was raised on Nov 23, 2022 from a Post-IPO Equity round. Lilium is registered under the ticker NASDAQ:LILM
Lilium has several notable investors. However, the specific head investors may vary over time as investment rounds and ownership stakes change. Some of the prominent investors in Lilium include:
- Baillie Gifford: A global investment management firm based in Scotland, Baillie Gifford has been one of Lilium's early investors and has continued to support the company through subsequent funding rounds.
- Tencent Holdings: A Chinese multinational conglomerate known for its investments in technology and internet-related companies, Tencent has also invested in Lilium and provided funding for the company's eVTOL development.
- Atomico: A European venture capital firm founded by Niklas Zennström, one of the co-founders of Skype, Atomico has also participated in funding rounds for Lilium.
- Freigeist Capital: A venture capital firm based in Germany that focuses on investing in disruptive technologies, Freigeist Capital has been an investor in Lilium as well.
- LGT Group: A private banking and asset management group based in Liechtenstein, LGT Group has also invested in Lilium.
Lilium Partners
Lilium has partnerships with several notable companies. Some of these partners include:
- Ferrovial: Lilium has partnered with Ferrovial, a global leading infrastructure operator, to develop "vertiports," which are the infrastructure required for the operation of Lilium's eVTOL aircraft. Vertiports are the takeoff and landing hubs for eVTOLs, similar to traditional airports.
- Tavistock Development Company: Lilium has partnered with Tavistock Development Company, a real estate development company, to build the first vertiport in the United States. The vertiport is planned to be located in Lake Nona, a smart city development in Orlando, Florida.
- Cologne/Bonn Airport: Lilium has partnered with Cologne/Bonn Airport in Germany to explore the integration of its eVTOL aircraft into existing transportation networks. The partnership includes joint planning for the operation of Lilium's aircraft at the airport.
- Aciturri: Lilium has partnered with Aciturri, a global aerostructures company based in Spain, to collaborate on the development and manufacturing of the airframe for Lilium's eVTOL aircraft.
- Palantir: Lilium has partnered with Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company, to develop a custom software platform for the operation of its eVTOL aircraft. The platform is intended to support the management of complex operations, including fleet management, maintenance, and flight planning.
- Honeywell & DENSO, who will co-develop and manufacture the Lilium Jet’s electric motor (e-motor) that will power the Lilium Jet’s engines. Honeywell is already developing the Lilium Jet’s avionics and flight control systems and invested in Lilium in 2021.
- Lufthansa Aviation Training: Together, Lilium and LAT will develop a tailor made Pilot Sourcing and Training programme to qualify pilots to fly the Lilium Jet. As part of this agreement, Lilium and LAT will also work jointly together with EASA (EU) and FAA (USA) regulatory authorities on certification.
- Bristrow: Leading provider of helicopter transportation plans to purchase 50 Lilium all-electric jets and provide Part 145 maintenance services in Florida and other U.S. and European markets
- Azul: Lilium will be taking its electric air taxi network to Brazil with a new partnership with Azul S.A., a Brazilian airline, that includes a purchase order totaling $1 billion. Through the partnership, Azul will receive 220 of Lilium’s aircraft to operate and maintain on the network created by the two companies
Meet the Lilium Team
CEO Daniel Wiegand - https://twitter.com/DanielWiegand_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-wiegand-25747022/?originalSubdomain=de
CEO Klaus Roewe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/klaus-roewe-09b10a204/
Co-Founder Sebastian Born - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianborn/ https://sebastianborn.de/
Co-Founder Matthias Meiner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiasmeiner/
Co-Founder Flight Mechanics Engineer Dr. Patrick Nathen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patrick-nathen-1a0840b3/
CTO Alastair McIntosh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-mcintosh-1b8a751bb/
Deputy CTO Bhavesh Mandalia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavesh-mandalia-6818a327/ bhavesh.mandalia@hotmail.com
COO Yves Yemsi - linkedin.com/in/yvesyemsi yves.yemsi@lilium.com
CIO Peter Seidel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-seidel-235a42143/
CFO Michael Andersen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-andersen-b375a4/
VP of Innovation Lyndon Leggate - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndonleggate/
Chief Information Security Officer Darshan D. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshandodia/
Product Manager Sharon Chung - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonchunghk/
Sales Director Eva-Maria Beck https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-maria-beck-4b022ba5/
Manufacturing Data Analyst Marina Peralta Olano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-peralta-olano/
Sr Project Mgr Batteries Mark Wallace - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nosymbolrequired/
Head of DevOps Engineering Claudia Dr.-Ing. Haubach-Lippmann - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiahaubachlippmann/
Head of Testing Christoph Busch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-busch-65bbb1162/ Mr.Christophbusch@gmail.com
Sr Materials & Processes Engineer Jeb Robbins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeb-robbins-a730a08b/
Sr Propulsion Test Engineer David Chuang Carreras - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchuangcarreras/
Sr Mechanical Design Engineer Killian Brath - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kilian-brath-88006ab7/
Engineer Tom Brassington - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombrassington/
Program Quality & Change Mgmt Frazan Khan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzan-khan/
Team Lead Energy Testing Daniel Quinger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielquinger/
Sr Battery Engineer Sascha Behne - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sascha-behne-445739193/
Battery Mgmt Systems Engineer Johannes Kurtz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannes-kurtz-b5065b95/
Battery Mgmt & Energy Distribution Julian Carl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-carl/
Battery Systems Engineer Mgr Laurent Eeckeleers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenteeckeleers/
Cel Technologies Engineer Mgr Burak Aliefendioglu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burak-aliefendioglu-87253b1a/
Head of Systems Engineering Elif Öztin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elif-%C3%B6ztin-msc-mba-csep-810b3725/
Energy System Engineer Shariq Mustafa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shariqmustafa/ https://twitter.com/SRQ_j
Command & Control System Engineer Taylor Best - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-best-918038108/
E3 System Engineer A. Hakan Kumbasar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakankumbasar/
System Engineer for Electrical Bartłomiej Broński - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart%C5%82omiej-bro%C5%84ski-4a0baa79/
Systems Engineer Thalles Gomes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalleshrgomes/
Systems Engineer Zaid Ayaz Janjua - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaid-ayaz-janjua-026a3376/
Engineering Specialist Tariq Ahmad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-ahmad-61a8b2109/
Engineering Manager Ricardo Wallach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-wallach/
Sr Aerodynamics Engineer Yannick Bunk - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannick-bunk-1285b998/
Sr Test Engineer Stéphane Leon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/st%C3%A9phane-leon-5b04894a/
Aerodynamicist Fernando Grossi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-grossi-92630660/
Aerodynamics Engineer Gianmarco Bianchi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianmarco-bianchi-b94088a6/
Lead Flight Test Engineer Martin Ascher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-ascher-98533635/
Head of Flight Test Leandro Bigarella - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandro-bigarella/
Head Flight Test Engineer Marcelo Basile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtbasile2023/
Flight Test Engineer Hunter Bloch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterbloch/
Flight Test C2 Systems Engineer Ahmed Ibrahim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-ibrahim-2b8650236/
Data Analyst Till Lesinski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/till-lesinski/
Head of Procurement Martin Schuebel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-schuebel-1a448b190/
Procurement Manager Allan Archilla - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-archilla-0642349b/
Sr Category Manager Everton R. Marques - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evertonrodrigomarquesceo/
Category Manager Avionics & Electronics Marketa Capova - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketa-capova-62556a54/ https://twitter.com/MaggieCapova
Category Manager Victoria Lai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-lai-mba/
Avionics & Electronics Category Manager Alix Pedro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alix-pedro-8a646010a/
Category Manager Alison B - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-baby/
Category Manager Propulsion System Piera Conti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/piera-conti-71a07266/
Category Manager Landing Gear Cristina Sobrino Verde - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-sobrino-verde/
Head of Energy Procurement Nick C. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-cover/
Head of Flight Mechanics Chris Shields - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-shields-a0204911a/
Head of Flight and Applied Science Amar Bansal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amar-bansal-407469136/
Head of Flight Control Laws Jens Dodenhöft - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-dodenhoeft/
Flight Control Laws Tiago Lima - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ponte-lima/
Solutions Architect Issam Haidar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/issamhaidar/
Supply Chain Operations Manager Roxana Nicoleta Chiuta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxana-nicoleta-chiuta-10b603165/
Supply Chain Quality Manager & Lead Auditor Estela M. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/estela-m-7aaa49137/
Career Transition Newton Nakada - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newton-nakada-55b334/
Head of Propulsion John Wyzykowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wyzykowski-44b3a311/
Head of Powertrain & Advanced Systems Justin Chapman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-chapman/
Engineering Manager & IPT System Leader Christian Coustal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiancoustal/
Lead Systems Avionics Engineer Ettore De Lellis, PhD - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ettore-de-lellis-phd-81910515/
Propulsion Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics Engineer Mgr Benjamin Eduard Wilkosz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-eduard-wilkosz-44b91b6a/
Principal Development Engineer Marcus Mohr - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-mohr/
Senior Controls Engineer Abe Benlamhidi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abe-benlamhidi-44a8b893/
Principal Safety Engineer Thom Johnson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonthom/
Human Factors and Flight Certification Bob Fox - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-fox-9041373/
Human Factors Engineer Saryani Asmayawati - https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmayawati75/
System Engineer Daniele Franco - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniele-franco/
System Engineer Rogerio Lario - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerio-lario/
Senior Avionics System Engineer Marcelo Serves - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mserves/
System Engineer Felix Xavier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-xavier-818027234/
System Engineer Krishna Porika - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishna-porika-aa68994a/
Software Development Engineer Divakara Vadada - https://www.linkedin.com/in/divakara-vadada-a49b9863/
Software Engineer Geetesh Mahto - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geetesh-mahto-17a95032/
Electrical Propulsion System Engineer Archana Krishnan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/archanakrishnank/
Electronics Hardware Engineer Keertana Veeranki - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keertanaveeranki/
Design Engineer Sandeep Nagaraj - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mscsandeep/
Senior Stress Engineer Burchan Dadi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burchan-dadi/
Lead Stress Engineer Cemre Suman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cemretahmaz/
Manufacturing Engineer Aerostructure Assembly Bahadır Satır - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bahad%C4%B1r-sat%C4%B1r-469a6055/
Systems Engineer Orçunsel Demircan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/or%C3%A7unsel-demircan-b15b6a8b/
Programme Manager Paul Larkin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullarkin1/
Systems Engineer Shyam Prasada Rao Vudata - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsprao15/
Independent System Monitoring Bürge Turin Demircan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/b%C3%BCrge-turan-demircan-433786105/
Designated Certification Specialist G. Özge Kahraman Haensel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-%C3%B6zge-kahraman-haensel-a94734b3/
Senior Airworthiness and Certification Engineer Sadik K - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadik-k-33137431/
Manager of Safety & Reliability Burcu Ozgor Demirkaya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burcu-ozgor-demirkaya-6953778a/
Head of Quality Operations Fikret Cem Sönmez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fikretsonmez/
Process Engineer Metals Technologies Şimal Cemre Yaman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simalcemreyaman/
Process Engineer Coating & Surface Treatment Tuğba Aydın - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tu%C4%9Fba-ayd%C4%B1n-65a05322/
Senior Materials & Processes Engineer Gustavo Costa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-costa-233521107/
Senior Materials and Processes Engineer Benjamin Saage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsaage/
Flight Control Laws Engineer Andre Ferreira da Silva - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-ferreira-da-silva/
Senior Flight Control Laws Engineer Paulin Kantue - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulin-kantue-bb8a4931/ https://twitter.com/pkantue
Senior Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Francesco Nardone - https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesconardone-a51a6316/ https://twitter.com/ciccio_82
Engineering Manager Istvan Keszte - https://www.linkedin.com/in/istvankeszte/
Manufacturing Engineering Manager Aircraft Integration Pradeep Pulipaka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradeep-pulipaka-3078ab51/ https://twitter.com/PradeepPulipaka
Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager & Product Development Steve Howat - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-howat-710b1123/
Engineering Manager Electrical Power System Ed Culpin CEng PMP - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edculpin/
Engineering Manager Systems Verification Gwennaël Fedder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwennael-fedder/
Deputy Chief Engineer Electrical Powertrain Integration David Touillon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-touillon-a7184369/
Power Electronics Martin Angerer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-angerer-8b39aa203/
Senior Validation & Certification Engineer & Electric Propulsion System Leonardo Lupelli - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-lupelli-6794b948/
Senior Propulsion Test Engineer Adrià Xavier Carnerero Urban - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adri%C3%A0-xavier-carnerero-urban-56672b116/
Propulsion Calculation Engineer Iñigo Ugarte Eizmendi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugarteeizmendiaero/
Propulsion Aerodynamicist Péter Onódi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteronodi/
Quality Conformance Engineer Ciarán Reid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaran-reid/
IT Digital Workplace Support Engineer Kristijan Krnjevic - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristijan-krnjevic-27116130/
Senior Design Engineer Vlad-Andrei Pop - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlad-andrei-pop/
Senior Mechanical Engineer Johannes Ketisch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannes-ketisch-2b7031120/
Aeronautical Engineer Petr Cvach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/petrcvach/
Senior Systems Architect Umberto Pagano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/umberto-pagano-643a0399/
Manufacturing Cell Responsible Propulsion Nick Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-wilson-83906278/
Final Assembly Line Cell Responsible Daniel Holmes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkholmes/
Composites and Aerostructures / Senior Composite Technician Dale Putnam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-putnam-94a39415a/
Aircraft Prototyping Technician Robert Gardemin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gardemin-672947123/
Manufacturing Engineer Energy Daniel Beech - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-beech-827bab63/
Energy Storage Systems & Electrical Sys. Lead Aleix Gabarro Turull - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleixgabarro/
Electrical Systems Engineer Sol Vernet Casadó - https://www.linkedin.com/in/solvernet/
Electrical Engineer Henrique M. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matoshenrique/
Supply Chain Quality Manager Woan Tyng Lim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/woantyng/
Team Lead Supply Chain Quality Manager Gian Paulo Naticchia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gian-paulo-naticchia/
Supplier Quality Manager Aydan Dural - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aydan-dural-97650470/
Design Engineer Buse Yaren Koç - https://www.linkedin.com/in/buseyarenkoc/
Senior Load and Aeroelasticity Engineer Deniz Can Erdayı - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcerdayi/
Deputy Head of Airworthiness Bilge Atıcı Sevketbeyoglu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilge-at%C4%B1c%C4%B1-sevketbeyoglu-4b69342a/
Head of Design & Aerostructures Mustafa Bahtiyar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-bahtiyar-85a78826/
Aerospace Mechanical Systems Engineer Onat Can Zeytin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/onatcanzeytin95/
Stress Engineer Betül Pelin Ergül - https://www.linkedin.com/in/betul-pelin-ergul/
Stress Engineer Propulsion System Alper Kaynar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alper-kaynar/
Head of Quality Process Mgmt Robin Pill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-pill-173816224/
Component Engineer in Engine System Ayse Gul Sayan Ilgin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysegulsayanilgin/
Senior Mass Properties Engineer Merve ÖZÜBEK - https://www.linkedin.com/in/merve-%C3%B6z%C3%BCbek-8b2718bb/
Senior Requirements Management and Tools Engineer Orcun Akartuna - https://www.linkedin.com/in/orcun-akartuna-14298911a/
Senior Mechanical Engineer Sebastian Klug - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-klug-3bb62413b/
Systems Engineer/ Propulsion Mounting Structure System Jose Manuel Esteban Izquierdo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-m-esteban/
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Iñigo De Santiago Espinós - https://www.linkedin.com/in/i%C3%B1igo-de-santiago-espin%C3%B3s-4521ba157/
Technical Manager & Aerospace Engineer Judit Nuez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judit-nuez/
Materials & Processes Engineer Marta Ferran-Marqués, PhD - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-ferran-marqu%C3%A9s/
Engineering Manager Danielle Ferrari B. Rocha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-rocha/
Engineering Manager & Materials & Processes Vittorio Vercillo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vittorio-vercillo/
Head of Materials and Processes Dave Pate - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlpate/
Material and Process Engineer Yuling Chang - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuling-chang-497b9772/
Software Engineer Mengmeng Wang - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mengmeng-wang-355a62149/
Lead Software Engineer André Andreatta Germano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-andreatta-germano/
Lead Software Engineer Electric Propulsion & Actuation System Mehetab Alam Khan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehetabalamkhan/
Senior Software Verification & Certification Engineer Paulo Takachi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulo-takachi-1699768/
Software Manager and Flight Controls System Lead Lucas Pereira dos Santos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaspsantos/
Head of Software Intensive Systems Alexey Kupriyanov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexey-kupriyanov-a0a2a630/
Engineering Manager & Software Intensive System Verification Arturo Valdes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturo-valdes-210012b/
Head of Avionics, Flight Controls and Autonomy Diana Nita - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diananita/
Head of Cell Innovation & Manufacturing/Supply Som Mohanty - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sommohanty/
Head of Program & Product Quality Thiam-Soon Gan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiam-soon-gan-797ba8a/
Validation & Verification Engineer Ahmed Hafez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-hafez-94b305102/
Senior Test Engineer Weam Elsahhar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/weam-elsahhar/
Mechanical Design Engineering Simon Clements - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-clements/
Software Engineer Ghazanfar Ali - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazanfar-ali-md/
Senior Software Engineer Simone Filippucci - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-filippucci-b1a45116/
Electronic Hardware Certification Specialist Glaucia Bandeira - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glaucia-bandeira-253b6524/
Manager & Independent Compliance Verification Massimo Semoli - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-semoli-4b76bb16/
Senior Project Manager & Autoflight & Flight Control Systems Duarte Belo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/duartebelo/
Freelance Battery Systems Engineer Lukasz Kabacik - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasz-kabacik-11b48626/
Engineering Manager & Energy Testing Stevie Rößler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevie-r%C3%B6%C3%9Fler-462a6722a/
Lead Battery Performance Engineer John N. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-n-1520a0ab/
Graphene Batteries for Lilium?
Additional Information
There are several reasons why Lilium, a company that focuses on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, may consider using graphene batteries instead of lithium batteries:
- Faster Charging: Graphene batteries have the potential to charge faster than lithium batteries. Graphene, a one-atom-thick layer of carbon, has high electrical conductivity, allowing for efficient and rapid charging. This could be a significant advantage for Lilium's eVTOL aircraft, as it could reduce downtime between flights and increase operational efficiency.
- Higher Energy Density: Graphene batteries also have the potential for higher energy density compared to lithium batteries. Energy density refers to the amount of energy a battery can store per unit of weight or volume. Higher energy density means that graphene batteries could potentially store more energy in the same amount of space, which could result in longer flight ranges for Lilium's eVTOL aircraft.
- Lighter Weight: Graphene is known for its lightweight properties, as it is one of the lightest and thinnest materials known to man. This could result in lighter batteries for Lilium's eVTOL aircraft, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft and potentially improving its performance, including increased payload capacity and longer flight times.
- Longer Lifespan: Graphene batteries also have the potential for a longer lifespan compared to lithium batteries. Graphene is known for its excellent mechanical and chemical stability, which could result in batteries that are more durable and have a longer cycle life. This could reduce the need for frequent battery replacements, resulting in cost savings for Lilium.
- Safety: Graphene batteries are also considered to be safer compared to lithium batteries. Graphene is a more stable material and less prone to thermal runaway reactions that can cause lithium batteries to overheat or catch fire. This could enhance the safety and reliability of Lilium's eVTOL aircraft, reducing the risk of battery-related incidents.
- Sustainability: Graphene is an abundant and environmentally friendly material compared to lithium, which is a finite resource and has some environmental concerns associated with its extraction and disposal. By using graphene batteries, Lilium could potentially align its technology with sustainable and eco-friendly practices, which could be appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers and investors.
Recent lithium battery criticism in the news...
Recent news headlines reveal that Lithium batteries are not the future for the aerospace industry...
Lilium's Implausible Battery Requirements Get a Second Look
An updated analysis of battery requirements for eVTOL by two influential researchers moves Lilium's design into the realm of possibilities, although Lilium faces challenges in executing it's battery storage.
Air taxi firm Lilium says in funding talks, defends battery design
In a recent shareholder letter, the company defended their battery technology which has come under scrutiny because of the extra power required compared to other eVTOL projects.
eVTOL Developer Lilium Searches for Cash Amid Criticism
Criticism of the company’s jet design stems from numerous design choices, but perhaps the most vocal circle around Lilium’s battery design, which some critics believe is “outside of the realm of possibility,”
FAA: Lithium Battery Incidents On Planes Now Happening More Than Once Per Week
Incidents of overheated lithium batteries on aircraft are now happening at a rate of more than one per week, on average. In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration reported at least 62 incidents involving lithium-ion batteries on airplanes and in airports, compared to 54 incidents the previous year. “These are lithium battery related events involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat that the FAA is aware of and should not be considered a complete listing of all such incidents,” notes the agency.
Battery Fire Forces Plane to Return to San Diego After Takeoff
Four people were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation after a passenger’s external battery pack caught fire in the cabin of a New Jersey-bound flight, officials said.
The Environmental Impacts of Lithium and Cobalt Mining
We cannot talk about the green transition without taking the environmental impacts of lithium and cobalt mining into account. Though emissions deriving from mining these two elements are lower than those deriving from fossil fuels production, the extraction methods for lithium and cobalt can be very energy intensive – leading to air and water pollution, land degradation, and potential for groundwater contamination.
Revealed: How US Transition to Electric Threatens Environmental Havoc
The US’s transition to electric vehicles could require three times as much lithium as is currently produced for the entire global market, causing needless water shortages, Indigenous land grabs, and ecosystem destruction inside and outside its borders, new research finds.
