Core Viewpoint - The UAE company Autocraft has signed a significant procurement agreement with Chinese eVTOL manufacturer TCab to purchase 350 E20 eVTOLs for a total amount of $1 billion, aiming to promote low-altitude tourism and air travel in the Middle East and North Africa [1][6] Group 1: Procurement Agreement - Autocraft's order of 350 E20 eVTOLs represents a major step for Chinese high-end manufacturing in international markets, highlighting the importance of battery technology in the eVTOL industry [1][6] - The deal positions Funeng Technology as the exclusive supplier of the second-generation semi-solid state batteries for the E20 model, emphasizing the critical role of battery technology [1][6] Group 2: Battery Technology - Funeng Technology's second-generation semi-solid state battery has an energy density of 330-350 Wh/kg and a cycle life exceeding 4000 times, which could support over 1000 kilometers of range in passenger vehicles [2][6] - The eVTOL industry faces challenges in battery selection, with manufacturers exploring dual technology routes to meet varying energy density needs [3][6] - The soft-pack battery format allows for higher energy density chemical systems, particularly beneficial for accommodating high silicon and lithium metal anode expansion [4][6] Group 3: Market Implications - The successful procurement signals a breakthrough in safety for semi-solid state soft-pack batteries, which have previously faced safety concerns with traditional liquid electrolytes [5][6] - The commercial value of the order is significant, with battery costs typically accounting for around 40% of the eVTOL's total value, potentially generating over 2.5 billion RMB in contracts for Funeng Technology [5][6] - The eVTOL market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies like Joby Aviation expanding production capabilities to launch air taxi services by 2026 [6]