What's Next for Drone Batteries?

Li-ion Battery Pack

Overview

Drone technology has advanced rapidly and at the heart of this evolution is battery technology - an area that has seen both incredible progress and significant limitations. Even while most drones today rely on Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) or Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which offer a decent energy-to-weight ratio, they come with baggage. In 2023, Lithium-based batteries accounted for a market share of over 85%. Drone operators are often forced to carry multiple batteries or use larger drones to accommodate more power, adding logistical and cost burdens. Frequent charging and degradation over time reduce operational efficiency. As the demand for longer flight times and heavier payloads grows, there is an urgent need for innovation in drone power systems. Researchers and companies are exploring new battery chemistries and energy solutions that could significantly extend flight duration and reduce weight. The industry is now on the cusp of a major shift with promising alternatives that could revolutionize not just drones, but the entire ecosystem of electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy and consumer electronics.

Li-Po battery

The Market

The drone battery market is set to soar, expected to hit $15.65 billion by 2029 with a strong 20.8% annual growth rate. This surge is fueled by expanding military needs, rising R&D spending, booming e-commerce and the growing demand for surveillance and aerial services. To meet these needs, companies are investing heavily in next-generation battery technologies that boost flight time, energy efficiency and safety.

What's New?

Lithium metal batteries

Among the standout innovations are Lithium metal batteries, which replace traditional Graphite anodes with Lithium metal for greater energy density. Montavista Energy Technologies, a China-based startup, launched the METARY P series in March 2023. These advanced batteries boost commercial drone flight time by 60–80% over traditional Lithium-ion models and include a non-flammable liquid electrolyte for added safety. With a specific energy exceeding 400 Wh/kg and high specific power, they enable drones to perform longer and more demanding missions.

BEI, a company operating in South Korea and the U.S., is delivering great performance with a battery boasting 410 Wh/kg energy density. BEI’s innovation not only doubles flight time but also increases range by up to 70% compared to conventional batteries. One of its standout features is exceptional performance in extreme climates - in independent 2024 tests, a BEI-powered drone flew for 40 minutes at -20°C, while a standard lithium-ion battery failed in just 10 seconds.

A San Jose-based company, Lyten, plans to convert a Lithium-metal battery facility for lithium-sulfur production, targeting up to 200 MWh of annual capacity. Lithium-sulfur batteries weigh up to 40% less than lithium-ion and 70% less than Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and avoid rare earth metals. With $20M earmarked for 2025 expansion, Lyten is aligning closely with U.S. defense priorities under the 2024 NDAA. Backed by major players like FedEx, Stellantis, and Honeywell, Lyten’s cells are also set for testing aboard the ISS in 2025, showcasing their aerospace potential. 

Solid State Batteries

Another sector that is growing is that of solid state batteries. Stellantis has successfully validated Factorial Energy’s breakthrough solid-state battery for EVs. These 77Ah cells boast 375 Wh/kg energy density, over 600 cycles, and can fast-charge from 10% to 90% in just 18 minutes. At 40% lighter than traditional Lithium-ion packs, Factorial’s solid-state batteries promise up to 600 miles of range on ground. The first commercial rollout will be in the electric Dodge Charger in 2026. Designed to operate between -30°C and 45°C, these batteries are also being tested by Mercedes-Benz, marking a major leap toward real-world deployment of solid-state technology. QuantumScape, backed by Volkswagen, managed to produce the first tentatively roadworthy solid-state battery. Mercedes has already made history as the first company to get a solid-state battery on the road. Toyota and BMW plan to launch electric vehicles with solid state technology as well. The first commercially available solid state batteries are expected by 2026–2027. mPower is offering solid state batteries that are not only cost-effective but also safer and longer-lasting than Li-ion cells. These technologies, once out in the market, can be tested on drones for efficiency.

Solid state battery technology isn’t without its challenges. Scaling production to meet commercial demand remains complex and costly. The precision required to fabricate solid electrolytes makes large-scale manufacturing tricky, and quality control must be impeccable to ensure performance and safety. Moreover, while solid state batteries use less Cobalt and Graphite, they still rely on Lithium, which has its own supply chain and sustainability concerns. Researchers are actively exploring Sodium-ion and Silicon-based alternatives, but these are not yet viable at scale.

While solid state batteries dominate the conversation, Graphene-based batteries are also emerging as strong contenders. These batteries promise higher energy density- potentially 2-3 times, faster charging, lower weight and better heat resistance - key features for drones operating in challenging environments. Though still early in commercial deployment, Graphene batteries are worth watching closely.

Fuel Cell Batteries

Fuel cells are also quickly becoming a game-changer in drone propulsion technology, especially for applications that demand longer flight times, higher payloads, and greener energy sources. Hydrogen fuel cells can deliver 250–540 Wh/kg, significantly extending range and endurance. A major step forward came in July 2024, when Intelligent Energy partnered with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to support the safe operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft. Their new system is expected to power aircrafts by 2027, marking a leap toward zero-emission aviation. Hydrogen fuel cells can enable UAVs to fly up to 3 times farther than battery-powered equivalents, making them ideal for last-mile delivery, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response. IE’s IE-SOAR fuel cells enhance commercial UAV offerings by improving safety, reducing environmental impact, and lowering Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), demonstrating the growing viability of fuel cells in transforming the drone and aviation industries.

Looking Ahead

One of the most exciting recent developments comes from a joint effort between the University of California San Diego and CEA-Leti in France. Researchers have developed a 2-in-1 chip that integrates energy storage and voltage conversion. Presented at the ISSCC 2025 conference, this chip provides high-voltage output from a compact solid state battery system, eliminating the need for bulky components like capacitors or inductors. Such technologies are ideal for micro-flying robots and drones.

As manufacturing matures and costs decline, these new technologies will likely become the new standard for drones, EVs, and renewable energy storage. Combined with innovations like AI battery management, wireless charging, modular systems and integrated battery chips, the future of drone batteries is not only brighter, but also safer, faster and more sustainable. In short, while Lithium-Polymer and Lithium-ion got us off the ground, it’s all these technologies that will help drones soar to new heights.

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Meet Manasa Kavya, an aeronautical engineer with a knack for designing drones and making complex tech easy to understand. With over four years in UAV design and development, she’s worked on everything from multirotors to fixed-wing drones for real-world missions.

Whether it's building a drone or breaking down how it works, Manasa brings hands-on experience and clear insight.

She’s passionate about making STEM fun and approachable. Her articles aim to do just that - mixing deep know-how with a simple, engaging style - exploring ideas, telling stories and making technical concepts more accessible and human.