Amprius Unveils High Density 500 Wh/kg Battery Cell
The new silicon-anode battery cell utilizes existing manufacturing processes for high-endurance aircraft applications.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Amprius Technologies has introduced a new 500 Wh/kg silicon-anode lithium-ion battery cell designed for long-endurance flight. The company, based in Fremont, plans to utilize its local facility for initial production of the new platform.
Why it matters
The high energy density of the SiCore 500 cell provides a specialized power source for high-altitude platform stations and uncrewed aerial vehicles. Its compatibility with conventional manufacturing equipment may lower barriers to scaling this technology.
The SiCore 500 battery cell delivers 500 Wh/kg at a 1C continuous discharge rate. This performance builds on previous successes, including a 2025 flight where Zephyr aircraft remained aloft for 67 days, 6 hours, and 52 minutes.
The players
Amprius Technologies
This company is a manufacturer of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries that operates its headquarters and production facilities in Fremont.
AALTO
This aerospace organization develops solar-powered high-altitude platform stations and utilized Amprius battery technology for a record-breaking flight.
The details
The cell utilizes silicon-anode technology that integrates into existing lithium-ion manufacturing processes and formats. It is specifically engineered to support platforms that rely on solar power to recharge systems during daylight hours.
Timeline
Amprius began its partnership with AALTO in 2018.
A Zephyr aircraft set a continuous flight record in 2025.
The SiCore 500 cell is expected to be commercially available in Q4 2026.
Roadmap
The introduction of the SiCore 500 cell reflects a broader industry shift toward maximizing energy-to-weight ratios to enable extended mission profiles for uncrewed aerial systems. By leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure, Amprius positions itself to capture market share from traditional battery producers currently serving the aerospace sector.
While the SiCore 500 is currently targeted at specialized aerospace applications, its use of conventional manufacturing equipment suggests a potential path for future integration into consumer-facing sectors. This manufacturing compatibility could eventually influence how energy density improves for other electric vehicle and battery-dependent platforms.
The takeaway
Advancements in silicon-anode technology are creating new possibilities for sustained, autonomous flight by maximizing energy capacity without adding weight. The shift toward utilizing existing manufacturing processes could accelerate the commercial adoption of these high-density power solutions.
What happens next
Amprius expects the SiCore 500 cell to reach commercial availability in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Further reading
For more developments in energy storage innovation, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
More information
View official financial and technical disclosures on the Amprius investor relations page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Military & Aerospace Electronics.
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