Paper batteries to electric planes: No wonder the Consumer Electronics Show is now simply CES

The recent four-day Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, attracted 141,000 attendees and more than 4,500 companies, reinforcing its standing as the world’s largest trade-only event, renowned for showcasing groundbreaking technologies. Below we highlight a few innovations that captured our attention, as well as a debrief on Volvo Trucks’ keynote vision for the future of transportation.

Lyten’s groundbreaking lithium-sulphur batteries 

California-based Lyten is making waves in the battery industry with its revolutionary lithium-sulphur (Li-S) technology, showcased at CES 2025. Its innovative solution offers a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries, reducing reliance on critical materials like graphite, nickel, manganese, and cobalt; metals largely controlled by China.

The technology holds significant potential for use in electric vehicles (EVs), drones, satellites, and even space suits, where it could extend astronauts’ spacewalks from four to eight hours.

Lighter and more efficient

Lyten’s Li-S battery cells are about 50% lighter than nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries and 75% lighter than lithium iron phosphate batteries, all while maintaining comparable energy storage capacity. Additionally, the materials used in Lyten’s batteries are easier to source, which could help facilitate more localised supply chains.

A$1.6 billion gigafactory 

The company’s long-term vision includes the development of a A$1.6 billion gigafactory in Reno, Nevada, with plans to break ground this year. This factory aims to reduce reliance on China while positioning Lyten to compete with the dominant lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicle market.

Production at the facility is expected to begin in 2027, with a goal of reaching 10 gigawatt hours of production by 2032. Initially, the factory will focus on producing batteries for drones and satellites, eventually expanding to EVs that offer longer durations and faster charging than their lithium-ion counterparts.

Overcoming technical challenges

Although lithium-sulphur technology offers higher energy densities than traditional lithium-ion batteries, it faces challenges, including the “polysulfide shuttle” effect, which leads to rapid degradation of battery cells. Lyten’s innovative 3D graphene material stabilises this reaction, making the technology viable with prototype designs that have already demonstrated more than 1,400 charge cycles.

Significant funding

Lyten has raised over $425 million in funding, with key investors including Stellantis, FedEx, and Honeywell. In January, the company also secured a $4 million grant from the Department of Energy. Additionally, Lyten expects to receive up to $1.5 billion in manufacturing tax credits and is in negotiations with Nevada for further incentives to cover a significant portion of its capital costs.

Flint unveils paper battery

Singapore-based startup Flint is making significant strides in the energy storage sector with a groundbreaking innovation: a sustainable, paper-based battery that eliminates the need for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other critical metal oxides.

Made from renewable materials that biodegrade within six weeks when buried in soil, Flint’s battery provides a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion technology. The company unveiled its prototype at CES 2025 in Las Vegas and has secured A$3.3 million in funding to further develop and commercialise the product.

A sustainable alternative

Additionally, the current cells are designed to support up to 1,000 charge cycles, making them suitable for a wide range of practical applications.

Flint’s paper-based battery is not only environmentally responsible but also lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile enough to power everyday electronics. Unlike traditional paper batteries, which often struggle with low energy density and power output, Flint’s technology delivers an impressive energy density of 220 Wh/kg and 410 Wh/l—comparable to that of lithium-ion batteries.

Innovative design 

The battery features a hydrogel ring within a paper structure, which serves as both the electrolyte and separator, creating a simpler and more sustainable energy storage solution. This innovative design also enables Flint’s technology to integrate seamlessly with existing lithium-ion manufacturing processes, helping to accelerate the transition to greener alternatives.

Securing partnerships

Flint is currently in discussions with over 20 companies across various sectors, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, defence, and space. While specific partners remain undisclosed, the company is advancing with several commercial pilots to showcase the real-world potential of its technology.

Mass production

While Flint’s paper battery holds great promise, several challenges remain before it can enter mass production. Currently, the battery’s maximum voltage is 1.5 volts, limiting its power output. For applications like electric vehicles, it is estimated that it will take 5 to 10 years to increase the voltage to meet industry standards

Production processes

In addition, Flint is focused on refining its production process to align with existing lithium-ion manufacturing methods—a critical step for fast-tracking adoption. By reducing production costs, the startup aims to scale its impact, drive demand, and accelerate adoption rates, all while ensuring profitability – positioning itself for long-term success in the energy storage market.

Wright WM2500: Powering the future of aviation

Wright Electric, a pioneering leader in electric aircraft technology based in Albany, USA, was invited to showcase its innovations at CES 2025 as part of the ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) booth. ARPA-E supports transformative projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and bolstering U.S. leadership in cutting-edge technologies.

Greener aviation

Wright Electric’s WM2500 electric aircraft engine marks a significant advancement in sustainable aviation. Developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E and NASA, the WM2500 is a second-generation megawatt-class motor. Final assembly is scheduled to begin later this year, with initial trials planned for a hybrid version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

Powering larger aircraft 

The WM2500 engine delivers 2.5 megawatts (approximately 3,300 horsepower) of shaft power, making it ideal for larger aircraft that typically carry 100 or more passengers. These aircraft are responsible for over 90% of the carbon emissions and noise pollution in the aerospace industry.

By replacing the core of traditional jet engines, the WM2500 enables a shift to electric power, helping to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. Compatible with both ducted fan and propeller-driven aircraft, the WM2500 is positioned to play a key role in advancing sustainable aviation.

Hybrid C-130: Merging tradition and innovation

The WM2500 is a key component of Wright Electric’s hybrid electrification program for the C-130. This aircraft will combine two conventional turbines with two electric propulsors, powered by batteries stored in the cargo area. The hybrid setup allows all four engines to contribute during takeoff, while the electric motors can be activated at higher altitudes for quieter, more stealthy flight.

The design enables the C-130 to carry six pallets, each with a volume of 463 litres. While the total payload will decrease from 40,000 pounds to 25,000 pounds, the hybrid system is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 27% to 44%, marking a significant step in reducing aviation’s environmental impact.

Challenges in development

Wright Electric has outlined its next steps for the engine’s development. The company will start with laboratory testing at its Albany, New York facility, followed by altitude chamber testing at NASA’s NEAT facility to fine-tune the engine’s performance at high altitudes.

However, challenges remain, particularly in refining power distribution systems. To address this, NASA is developing lightweight, high-conductivity cables and advanced circuit breakers capable of handling high voltages of 800V and 1200V under extreme conditions. After completing these tests, Wright Electric plans to conduct propulsion test stand trials, aircraft ground tests, and ultimately, flight testing.

Advancing battery technology

Wright Electric is also working on a lightweight battery pack with an energy density of 1000 Wh/kg at pack level. Lab testing for these batteries is set to begin in 2025, with the first commercial rollout for early adopters planned for 2027.

Volvo’s vision for a fossil-free future

Speaking at CES 2025, Martin Lundstedt, CEO of the Volvo Group, shared the company’s bold vision for the future of transportation. Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo employs over 100,000 people and serves customers in nearly 190 markets worldwide. With A$79.2 billion in net sales in 2023, the company is driving forward with plans to create a safer, more productive, and entirely fossil-free global transportation system.

Transportation’s role

Lundstedt began his keynote by emphasising the critical role of transportation in modern life. “You might not think about it all that much, but transportation and logistics are what make modern life possible,” he said. He stressed that without trucking, society would grind to a halt: “Hospitals would lack medical equipment, and grocery store shelves would be bare.” With over 70% of the goods we rely on daily transported by truck, Lundstedt pointed out that global transportation demand is expected to grow fivefold from 2010 to 2050, adding that efficient logistics drive economic growth. 

However, Lundstedt also acknowledged the negative side effects of transportation, such as pollution, congestion, and noise. While progress has been made, he emphasised that more work is needed to transition to a fossil-free transport system.

Transportation’s future

Volvo’s strategy for fossil-free transport focuses on three key technologies: battery-electric systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and renewable biofuels powering advanced combustion engines. Lundstedt stressed the importance of supportive policies in making this vision a reality: “Transforming mobility is a full-scale societal issue. While technology and equipment are ready, enabling conditions are critical to ensuring society and the planet benefit from fossil-free solutions.” The company is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040, with its efforts playing a key role in accelerating climate action.

Industry-wide cooperation

Collaboration is at the heart of Volvo’s strategy. Lundstedt stressed that no single company can decarbonise the transportation sector on its own. He highlighted Volvo’s partnership with competitor Daimler Trucks to develop software-defined vehicles, as well as its work with other truck manufacturers to expand the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Supplier sustainability efforts

In addition to collaborating with industry partners, Volvo is urging its global supplier network, comprising around 50,000 companies, to help achieve its zero-emission objectives. Andrea Fuder, Volvo Group’s Chief Purchasing Officer, shared how the company uses its purchasing power to spur innovation, with a notable example being Volvo’s first-ever vehicles that are made from fossil-free steel, which are now being delivered to customers.

A greener future for global logistics

Volvo’s vision for the future of transportation reflects a deep commitment to sustainability. With bold plans, a focus on collaboration, and a commitment to innovation, the company is paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in global logistics.