As of April 2025, the drone industry is undergoing a revolutionary shift in power systems—semi-solid-state battery technology is leading the way.
At CGBT, we believe this innovation represents a critical step forward in enabling safer, longer, and more efficient drone operations across a range of industries. This article provides a comprehensive look at how semi-solid-state batteries are shaping the future of UAV energy systems.
What Are Semi-Solid-State Batteries?
Semi-solid-state batteries combine the high energy density of liquid electrolyte systems with the safety of solid-state designs. Instead of using a traditional liquid electrolyte, they employ a thick, gel-like semi-solid material. This significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway, a common issue with lithium-ion batteries.
In our own technology, the battery cell structure utilizes silicon-carbon anodes with high specific capacities (420–650mAh/g), resulting in excellent discharge efficiency and cycle stability.
Key Benefits for Drone Applications
🔋 Extended Flight Time
Semi-solid-state batteries offer up to 30% longer flight times thanks to their higher energy density—crucial for aerial surveying, mapping, inspections, and delivery.
🚁 Enhanced Payload Capacity
Being up to 15% lighter than conventional batteries, they allow drones to carry heavier payloads or more sensors without compromising performance.
🔒 Improved Safety
With lower fire risk and enhanced thermal stability, these batteries are ideal for operations in urban areas, confined environments, or sensitive locations.
🔄 Greater Longevity
Many semi-solid-state batteries retain over 80% of their capacity after 1000+ cycles, reducing downtime and lowering operational costs.
Industry Adoption in 2025
Several companies have brought this technology to market:
- CGBT: Our SLD4-14S40Ah semi-solid-state drone battery delivers 51.8V at 40,000mAh, weighing just 6.27kg and reaching an impressive 340Wh/kg energy density. With 280A continuous and 400A peak discharge current, it’s designed for heavy-lift drones, eVTOL platforms, and industrial applications that demand high energy and power output in a compact size (206×90×153mm³).
- G Company: Offers 275–300Wh/kg semi-solid batteries, demonstrating a 30% boost in flight time.
- i Company: Delivers 5C-rated batteries with 30–35% higher energy density for performance drones.
These real-world deployments signal a growing shift toward semi-solid-state as the new standard.
Challenges Ahead
Despite their promise, semi-solid-state batteries face hurdles:
- Cost: Currently priced higher than traditional batteries, though economies of scale are expected to bring this down.
- Manufacturing: Scaling production while ensuring quality and consistency remains a key challenge.
- Environmental Extremes: Maintaining performance across temperature ranges still needs refinement.
Looking Forward
Future trends indicate exciting developments:
- Mass adoption across enterprise and consumer drones
- Integration with AI-powered battery management for smarter, longer flights
- Custom-fit battery designs tailored to drone specifications
- Sustainability initiatives, including recyclable materials
- The eventual transition to fully solid-state systems
Conclusion
Semi-solid-state batteries are not just the future—they’re already reshaping the present. With enhanced safety, lighter designs, and longer runtimes, they’re empowering drones to do more, go farther, and operate with greater confidence.
At CGBT, we are proud to be part of this evolution. As demand for smart, safe, and powerful drone batteries grows, semi-solid-state technology is proving to be the breakthrough solution industry professionals have been waiting for.
