Amprius collaborates with Matternet to supply batteries for drone delivery services.

      TL;DR: Amprius Technologies has teamed up with Matternet to provide silicon anode lithium-ion batteries for drone delivery services. This agreement combines Amprius’s high-energy-density SiCore cells, offering up to 450 Wh/kg, with Matternet’s FAA-certified autonomous drones, with the aim of enhancing flight range, increasing payload capacity, and reducing charging times.

      Amprius Technologies, based in Fremont and a supplier of high-energy-density silicon anode batteries, has announced its collaboration with Matternet, a leading drone delivery company that possesses both FAA Type Certification and Production Certification. Amprius will supply its SiCore® lithium-ion cells for use in Matternet’s autonomous drones, which could significantly improve the range, payload capacity, and speed of commercial drone logistics networks.

      This partnership represents Amprius’s continued expansion into the unmanned aviation field, where it also provides battery solutions for drone delivery systems used by Nokia Drone Networks, Nordic Wing, and various undisclosed defense clients. For Matternet, whose M2 drones transport medical supplies and retail items across urban areas in the U.S. and Europe, this collaboration addresses a critical challenge in autonomous aerial logistics: battery performance.

      Importance of silicon anodes for drone delivery

      Traditional lithium-ion batteries for drones utilize graphite anodes, which impose strict limits on energy density and therefore impact how far and how fast drones can operate while carrying a useful payload. Silicon, on the other hand, can store around ten times more lithium ions than graphite, leading to lighter battery packs, extended flight durations, and the ability to carry heavier loads. The battery industry is intensely researching silicon anode technology, with several startups and established companies racing to bring this chemistry to market at scale.

      Amprius’s SiCore cells provide up to 450 Wh/kg and 1,150 Wh/L, with third-party validation showing figures as high as 500 Wh/kg and 1,300 Wh/L. These specifications represent a significant advancement compared to standard drone batteries, which typically range from 200 to 270 Wh/kg. Additionally, these cells support high discharge rates necessary for power during takeoff and offer rapid charging capabilities, reaching about 80% capacity in roughly six minutes—a vital advantage for delivery operations that require quick turnaround times between flights.

      Matternet's logistics growth ambitions

      Matternet has established one of the world’s most operationally advanced drone delivery networks. It was the first to receive FAA Type Certification for a drone delivery system and has conducted tens of thousands of commercial flights transporting medical samples, pharmaceuticals, and retail goods. Recent partnerships highlight its aggressive growth strategy: in April 2026, it formed an alliance with SoftBank Robotics America to expand drone delivery in healthcare, retail, and enterprise logistics, and introduced NHS drone deliveries in central London, creating autonomous last-mile aerial connections between major hospital locations.

      However, battery limitations still pose a primary challenge in this sector. Matternet’s M2 drones can carry payloads of up to two kilograms over distances of 20 kilometers on a single charge. The integration of Amprius’s higher-energy cells could significantly broaden that operational range, allowing for heavier payloads, longer journeys, or a combination of both, without increasing the drone’s overall weight.

      NDAA compliance considerations

      The partnership also has a strategic aspect that goes beyond performance metrics. Amprius maintains compliance with the NDAA, meaning its batteries fulfill the requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act for use in U.S. government and defense applications. As federal agencies and healthcare systems increasingly scrutinize the sources of drone components, especially batteries, domestic battery supply chains have become crucial in procurement processes.

      Amprius produces its silicon anodes and cells at its headquarters in Fremont and has secured over 2.0 GWh of contract manufacturing capacity through collaborations with U.S.-based Nanotech Energy and the Amprius Korea Battery Alliance, all designed to ensure NDAA-compliant supply chains. For Matternet, which serves clients such as hospitals, health systems, and potentially government agencies, sourcing batteries from a U.S.-based, NDAA-compliant manufacturer mitigates regulatory risks and enhances its appeal to security-conscious buyers.

      A competitive yet expanding market

      The commercial drone delivery market is on the verge of rapid growth. Analysts at Gartner predict that over a million delivery drones could be operational worldwide by 2026, a significant increase from about 20,000 a few years ago. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, Wing, and Zipline are ramping up their own aerial logistics operations, creating heightened competitive pressure to enhance range, payload, and reliability.

      Amprius has established itself as a preferred battery supplier within this ecosystem. Its revenue for Q1 2026 reached $28.5 million, a 2.5-fold increase from the same quarter the previous year, and the company has raised its full-year 2026 revenue forecast to at least $130 million. Its clients span unmanned and manned aviation, light electric vehicles, and