LG Energy Solution has officially stepped into the aerospace sector with a landmark multi-year partnership with PrizePicks Aerospace, a rising U.S. electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup backed by Uber Elevate veterans.
Announced November 28, 2025, the deal will see LGES supply its latest high-density 4680 cylindrical cells and next-generation solid-state prototypes for PrizePicks’ four-passenger urban air taxi, scheduled for certification trials in 2027. The custom battery packs promise 420 Wh/kg energy density (30% above current aviation-grade lithium-ion) and ultra-fast 10-minute charging capability, critical for high-frequency air-taxi operations.
Under the agreement, LGES will establish a dedicated aerospace production line at its new Arizona facility, with initial capacity of 8 GWh annually starting mid-2026. PrizePicks gains exclusive rights to LG’s aviation-certified solid-state cells through 2030, giving the startup a decisive edge over rivals like Joby Aviation and Archer, who rely on traditional liquid-electrolyte packs.
Industry watchers call it a game-changer. “This isn’t just another supply contract; LG is leapfrogging Panasonic and CATL into certified flight hardware,” said BloombergNEF analyst James Frith. The move also accelerates LG’s diversification beyond automotive, targeting a slice of the projected $1 trillion advanced air mobility market by 2040.
PrizePicks CEO Travis Vandenberg hailed the partnership as “the final piece” for FAA Type Certification, with prototype flights using LG cells already underway at Mojave Air and Space Port. First commercial routes between downtown heliports in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami are targeted for late 2028.
Shares of LG Energy Solution rose 6.4% in Seoul trading on the news, hitting a 2025 high.
