Amprius Technologies has introduced a second-generation SiCore500 lithium-ion cell for unmanned aviation, claiming 500 Wh/kg at a 1C continuous discharge rate. The cell is aimed at high-altitude platform stations, fixed-wing drones and other long-endurance uncrewed aircraft, with commercial availability expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 from the company’s Fremont, California facility.
The key commercial distinction is manufacturability: Amprius says the cell can be produced on conventional lithium-ion equipment rather than specialised processes, which it positions as essential for scaling beyond laboratory demonstrations. The company also plans to offer customer-specific formats alongside a standard small uncrewed aircraft systems pouch format defined by SAE JA1016.
Amprius has previously reported cells reaching or exceeding 500 Wh/kg, but the new platform is presented as the first intended for commercial-scale production on standard manufacturing infrastructure. Volume output is expected to move through the company’s existing contract manufacturing partners after initial production begins in Fremont. No customer order, certification programme or flight-test campaign was disclosed with the launch.