Electric aircraft startup VÆRIDION has taken a major step toward certifying its regional aircraft, the Microliner, by partnering with battery manufacturer Molicel. The collaboration focuses on jointly selecting and qualifying a high-energy, aviation-grade battery cell tailored for the all-electric aircraft’s unique requirements.
The Microliner is designed for short-haul regional connectivity, utilizing a 100% electric powertrain. A defining feature of the aircraft is its wing-integrated battery system, where advanced packs are mounted directly into the wing structure. While VÆRIDION has developed the system architecture above the cell level—including thermal management, mechanical safeguards, and safety monitoring—the performance of the cells themselves remains fundamental to the aircraft’s success. Cell characteristics directly influence weight, flight range, fast-charging capabilities, and operational safety.
To meet these rigorous demands, VÆRIDION turned to Molicel, a company renowned for high-performance lithium-ion technology. Molicel’s cells are distinguished by their ultra-high power output, strong energy density, and stringent quality standards. Importantly, the technology has already been proven in aerospace applications, demonstrating its ability to withstand the qualification and safety protocols required for flight.
The partnership will leverage the testing and validation expertise of both companies to ensure the selected cell integrates seamlessly with the Microliner’s battery architecture. The goal is to align the cell’s performance with the aircraft’s certification and safety targets.
Evan O’Connor, Head of R&D at VÆRIDION, emphasized the importance of Molicel’s manufacturing maturity and quality discipline, stating that the partnership establishes the necessary rigor to qualify a cell for electric aviation. He noted that this collaboration underpins the Microliner’s battery foundation as the company progresses toward first flight and certification.
Casey Shiue, President at Molicel, expressed pride in joining forces with VÆRIDION, highlighting the paramount importance of safety and global security in aviation. He affirmed Molicel’s commitment to delivering high-performance cells manufactured to the highest quality standards, expressing confidence that their technology will help accelerate electric aviation, much as it has transformed electric ground transportation.
This announcement builds on VÆRIDION’s recent momentum. Earlier this year, the company secured a battery manufacturing facility at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport in Germany, which will serve as both a production hangar and a test house for its propulsion battery systems. The site will be central to the company’s path toward certification-ready prototype flights in 2027 and commercial entry into service in 2030.
The Microliner’s electric propulsion architecture, including its wing-integrated battery system and multi-engine, single-propeller configuration, has already been assessed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as part of a Pre-Application Contract concluded in 2024. The new partnership with Molicel brings VÆRIDION another step closer to realizing its mission of clean, efficient regional air mobility.
