Silicon anode battery maker Amprius Technologies has announced a strategic collaboration with Matternet, the only drone delivery company to hold FAA Type Certification and Production Certification, to improve the range, payload capacity, and economics of autonomous aerial delivery.

Amprius cells are now deployed in Matternet's M2 aircraft. The partnership now extends to developing battery solutions optimized for Matternet's next-generation platform, with Amprius targeting volume production readiness aligned with Matternet's fleet expansion plans beginning in early 2027.

The collaboration will focus on tuning cell selection, form factor, thermal performance, charge rate, and cycle life specifically around Matternet's aircraft architecture and delivery network, with the goal of improving aircraft availability, expanding service areas, and reducing cost per delivery at scale.

Amprius says its silicon anode cells deliver up to twice the energy density of conventional graphite-based batteries. For a commercial delivery operator like Matternet, that kind of performance improvement can translate into longer routes, heavier payloads, or faster fleet turnaround, all of which affect network design and unit economics.

"Every additional mile of range expands our network coverage. Every minute saved in charging increases fleet utilization. And every gram saved can translate into greater payload capacity," said Andreas Raptopoulos, founder and CEO of Matternet, in a statement. "With Amprius, we have the opportunity to engineer that technology around our aircraft, our network model, and our cost-per-delivery targets."

Tom Stepien, CEO of Amprius Technologies, framed the partnership around Matternet's certified, operational status. 

"Matternet is a company with a proven certified platform, real commercial operations, and a clear path to scale," Stepien said. "By working closely with their engineering team, we can optimize our silicon anode technology for their aircraft, operating models, and cost-per-delivery objectives."