Finding a reliable maker of custom UAV batteries in China is one of the toughest tasks for drone OEMs in 2026. There are thousands of suppliers out there. They all claim to be the “best.” But how do you tell the difference between a basic assembler and a real technology partner?
It doesn’t matter if you are building long-range VTOLs, big agricultural drones, or high-altitude surveillance systems. The battery is the heart of your mission. This guide cuts through the noise. We rank the top 5 manufacturers moving the industry forward. We focus on next-generation semi-solid state technology, high energy density, and better safety standards.
The Shift to High-Performance Power: 2026 Industry Overview
In 2026, the commercial drone industry has a big problem: Flight Time.
Maybe you are engineering a heavy-lift delivery drone. Or perhaps a mapping VTOL that needs to fly for a long time. It could even be a high-up surveillance UAV. The limits of old Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) batteries are clear now. Standard batteries simply cannot give the energy density you need for new missions. They just add too much weight.
China is still the main hub for making lithium batteries. However, for OEM drone manufacturers and procurement managers, finding the right partner is hard. The market is split. You have huge giants focused on Electric Vehicles (EVs). Then, you have specialized factories dedicated to high-performance aviation power.
In this guide, we review the Top 5 Custom UAV Battery Manufacturers in China. We ranked them based on three big things for 2026: Energy Density (Wh/kg), Safety Profile, and Customization Flexibility.
1. Shengya Electronic
Best For: Long-Range VTOLs, Heavy-Lift Drones, and Semi-Solid State Technology.
Big names like CATL rule the car world. But Shengya Electronic has quietly become the “Hidden Champion” in the niche of high-performance industrial UAV power.
Shengya stands out because they moved past traditional liquid electrolytes. They are early leaders in Semi-Solid State Battery technology. This tech improves safety and energy density a lot. In standard batteries, you usually have to pick one or the other.
Why They Ranked #1:
lUltra-High Energy Density: Shengya’s semi-solid batteries hit up to 320Wh/kg. If you are a drone surveyor, this means a 30% increase in flight time compared to normal Li-Po batteries of the same weight.
lSafety Assurance: The semi-solid electrolyte structure naturally fights fire. Even if you poke it or hit it hard (a real risk for drones), these batteries stay stable. This protects expensive gear like LiDAR or thermal cameras.
lDeep Customization: Mass producers don’t do this. Shengya specializes in custom shapes. They make formulas for cold weather (-40°C operation). They also do specific BMS protocols for OEM projects.
Product Spotlight: The SY-6S-21.6V-35Ah
A great example of their engineering work is the SY-6S-21.6V-35Ah semi-solid battery.
lCapacity: 35,000mAh (35Ah)
lVoltage: 21.6V (High Voltage Support)
lApplication: Optimized for heavy-lift agricultural drones and long-range border patrol UAVs.
lAdvantage: It packs massive power into a small size. This fixes the “weight vs. power” problem for drone designers.
Verdict: Does your project need the most flight time and high safety standards? Then Shengya is the top technological choice.
Learn more about Shengya’s Semi-Solid Battery Technology
2. CATL
Best For: Mass Production, Standard Cells, and Automotive Supply Chains.
CATL needs no introduction. As the world’s largest battery manufacturer, they are the power behind major electric vehicle brands like Tesla. Their supply chain is steady. Their scale is unmatched globally.
Pros & Cons for Drone Manufacturers:
lPros: Great consistency and quality control. Their 21700 and 18650 cylindrical cells are the industry standard for reliability.
lCons: CATL mainly looks at the EV and energy storage market. For small or medium drone OEMs, their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) can be too high. Also, they offer limited customization for odd shapes or special UAV discharge rates compared to niche manufacturers.
Verdict: The go-to choice for massive-scale projects using standard cylindrical cells.
3. Grepow / Tattu
Best For: FPV Racing, Consumer Drones, and Hobbyists.
If you fly drones for fun or race FPV, you likely own a Tattu battery. Grepow (the parent company) has built a strong name in the consumer and agricultural drone markets.
Pros & Cons for Drone Manufacturers:
lPros: Excellent availability and distribution channels. You can buy their batteries off-the-shelf almost anywhere. Their stacking technology gives decent discharge rates suitable for racing.
lCons: They are reliable. However, their core technology is often based on traditional stacking steps. When it comes to the limits of Energy Density (Wh/kg) for industrial jobs, they generally fall behind the specialized semi-solid solutions offered by new tech leaders.
Verdict: Ideal for consumer products, FPV racing, and projects that need parts right away.
4. ATL (Amperex Technology Limited)
Best For: Consumer Electronics (Smartphones, Tablets).
ATL is the king of the “pouch cell” world. They supply batteries for top phone brands like Apple and Samsung. Their technology is refined, safe, and very consistent.
Pros & Cons for Drone Manufacturers:
lPros: World-class quality control (QC) and automated production lines.
lCons: Like CATL, ATL focuses on the 3C market (Computer, Communication, Consumer Electronics). They rarely touch the specific high-discharge, high-voltage needs of the industrial drone sector. Getting customization for UAVs is hard to secure.
Verdict: The gold standard for consumer electronics, but less useful for industrial drone powertrains.
5. EVE Energy
Best For: IoT Devices and Diverse Battery Applications.
EVE Energy is a versatile giant. They make everything from tiny coin cells to big power banks. They have a strong spot in the Lithium Primary battery market (non-rechargeable) and IoT power solutions.
Pros & Cons for Drone Manufacturers:
lPros: A huge list of products and strong R&D in various lithium chemistries.
lCons: While they do make power batteries, their focus is spread over hundreds of sectors. They lack the single focus on “high energy density aviation power” that specialized manufacturers possess.
Verdict: A solid choice for IoT sensors on drones or general-purpose power needs.
Technical Comparison: Why Semi-Solid Wins
For industrial drone manufacturers, the choice often comes down to Weight and Range. Here is how Shengya’s semi-solid technology compares to the market standard:
| Feature | Shengya (Semi-Solid) | Standard Li-Po (Liquid) | 18650/21700 (Li-ion) |
| Energy Density | Up to 320 Wh/kg (High) | ~220-240 Wh/kg (Low) | ~250 Wh/kg (Medium) |
| Safety | High (Solid Interface) | Low (Flammable Liquid) | Medium |
| Cycle Life | Long | Short | Long |
| Form Factor | Custom / Flexible | Flexible | Fixed Cylinder |
| Ideal For | Long-Range / VTOL | FPV / Toys | EVs / Ground Robots |
Final Recommendation
Choosing a battery supplier is about matching the technology to your mission profile.
lChoose CATL or EVE if you are building ground robots or EVs. Here, weight is not the main issue and volume is high.
lChoose Grepow if you are building consumer drones or racing quads.
lChoose Shengya Electronic if you are building industrial VTOLs, mapping drones, or heavy-lift multi-rotors. Their semi-solid technology offers the critical “extra minutes” of flight time. It also offers the safety margins needed for professional operations.
Ready to upgrade your drone’s performance?
Contact Shengya’s engineering team today for a free consultation on custom battery packs.
Get a Custom Quote from Shengya Electronic
FAQ
Q1: Why are semi-solid state batteries considered better for industrial drones than traditional Li-Po batteries?
A: The main edge lies in Energy Density and Safety. Old Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) batteries use liquid electrolytes. This caps energy density at around 220-240Wh/kg. They also have a higher risk of burning if punctured.
Semi-solid state batteries, like those made by Shengya, use a mix of solid and liquid electrolyte. This tech raises energy density to 320Wh/kg+. It lets drones carry heavier loads or fly for 30% longer. Plus, the solid structure cuts the risk of thermal runaway a lot. This makes them the safer pick for high-value industrial gear and VTOLs.
Q2: What factors should I consider when ordering custom UAV battery packs?
A: When sourcing custom batteries, don’t just look at capacity (mAh). You must check three key factors:
lDischarge Rate (C-rate): Ensure the battery can handle your drone’s peak power draw. This happens during takeoff and maneuvering. You don’t want voltage sag.
lOperating Environment: If your drone flies in high altitudes or cold regions, you need a maker that can customize electrolytes for low-temperature performance (e.g., -40°C).
lWeight-to-Power Ratio: For mapping and surveillance, every gram counts. Custom makers can design specific shapes and pack structures. This cuts dead weight and boosts flight time.
