In response to recent media coverage referencing Molicel batteries in connection with an incident at Archer Aviation’s San Jose facility, Molicel issues the following statement to clarify the facts:
- Incident Entirely Unrelated to Battery Quality or Manufacturing
As officially confirmed by Archer Aviation, the minor fire that occurred during routine testing at their 77 Rio battery lab was solely attributable to an “employee error” (operational/human error). The incident was entirely isolated to procedural handling and had no connection to the manufacturing quality, design, or safety integrity of Molicel cells.
- Clarification on Misleading References to “Thermal Runaway”
We note that several media reports inappropriately cited and linked the technical definition of “thermal runaway” to this event. Conflating an operational procedural error with intrinsic cell performance misrepresents the established facts of the investigation and creates an inaccurate narrative. Molicel firmly clarifies that the root cause was verified as personnel operational error, not cell defect.
Molicel adheres to the highest aerospace-grade manufacturing, quality assurance, and safety standards, remaining a trusted high-power battery partner for leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) pioneers worldwide. We continue to support our partners with uncompromised dedication to safety, technical excellence, and transparent collaboration.