Amprius Achieves 500 Wh/kg Energy Density with Standard Manufacturing
Event summary
- Amprius introduced SiCore®500, a 500 Wh/kg silicon anode lithium-ion cell for unmanned aviation, producible on conventional manufacturing equipment.
- The cell is optimized for High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), fixed-wing drones, and other long-endurance applications.
- Commercial availability is expected in Q4 2026, with initial production at Amprius' Fremont, California facility.
- Amprius has supplied cells for AALTO HAPS' Zephyr platform since 2018, including a 67-day endurance record flight in 2025.
The big picture
Amprius' achievement of 500 Wh/kg energy density on standard manufacturing equipment addresses a key barrier to adoption in unmanned aviation. The development comes as demand for high-energy-density batteries grows in aerospace and defense, with HAPS and drones requiring lighter, longer-lasting power solutions. Amprius' ability to scale production through contract manufacturing partners will be critical to its success in this competitive market.
What we're watching
- Manufacturing Scalability
- Whether Amprius can maintain 500 Wh/kg energy density at commercial scale using conventional manufacturing equipment.
- Market Adoption
- The pace at which aviation customers adopt SiCore®500 for long-endurance applications.
- Competitive Positioning
- How Amprius' asset-light manufacturing model affects its ability to compete with traditional battery producers.
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