Structural batteries have been under consideration for electric vehicles for some years. For example, Lord Paul Drayson’s record-breaking electric racing cars incorporated prototypes of these components. Put simply, structural batteries are energy storage devices which form part of the overall structure of the vehicle: this could be the bodywork or chassis of an electric car, or part of the fuselage or skin or the underlying supporting framework of an aircraft. In theory, performing “double duty” as both part of the structure and the energy storage capability of the vehicle is a method of reducing weight. However, previous prototypes of structural battery systems have been found wanting in both capacities.

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