Boeing’s 787 twinjet is to become the first commercial aircraft with a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system, designed to provide more efficient energy storage than standard nickel-cadmium (NiCad) cells. The Li-ion technology will be used in the 787’s electrical power conversion system, being supplied by Thales. The French company has selected Japanese battery manufacturer GS Yuasa to provide the Li-ion batteries to provide auxiliary power unit starting power and emergency power back-up.