New EV Battery Technology Increases Range of Drones in Ukraine by 46%

Ukrainian Company Enhances Drone Range with EV Battery Technology

A Ukrainian firm, PAWELL, has successfully integrated electric vehicle (EV) battery cells into fixed-wing drones, significantly increasing their operational range. According to reports from Euro Maidan Press, this innovation has extended the drones’ range from approximately 19 miles to 122 miles on a single charge.

One of the upgraded drones has already been credited with destroying a Russian Buk-M1 air defense system, valued at around $10 million, and another drone successfully targeted an ammunition depot located deep within enemy territory.

Transition from Agriculture to Military Applications

Based in Lviv, PAWELL initially focused on adapting drones that were originally designed for agricultural use. The company’s engineers replaced standard lithium polymer batteries with LiNMC cells, which are commonly used in electric vehicles from brands such as Tesla and Mercedes.

The switch to LiNMC cells offers a significant advantage in energy density. Traditional lithium polymer batteries typically store about 150 to 170 watt-hours per kilogram, while LiNMC cells can store between 230 to 260 watt-hours per kilogram at similar weights. This increase in energy density translates directly into enhanced range and payload capacity for the drones.

PAWELL co-founder Pavlo Esyp noted that there is no one-size-fits-all battery solution for drones. Each drone platform requires a specific balance of weight, power output, and capacity tailored to its mission. For instance:

• Reconnaissance drones prioritize endurance.
• Strike drones need the range to deliver payloads deep into enemy territory.
• FPV (First Person View) drones require lightweight designs for maneuverability.

Significant Combat Achievements

The first confirmed combat success occurred in July 2025, when a PAWELL-equipped drone flew approximately 25 miles into Russian-held territory, located a Buk-M1 missile system, and relayed its coordinates to Ukrainian artillery, which subsequently destroyed the target.

The Buk-M1, known by its NATO designation SA-11 Gadfly, is a self-propelled medium-range surface-to-air missile system that has been in service since 1983. It is capable of engaging various aerial threats at ranges of up to 20 miles. The destruction of such a system not only removes a significant threat but also disrupts the layered air defense network protecting Russian ground forces.

Extended Range and Future Goals

In October 2025, PAWELL further enhanced drone capabilities when a Postman-type fixed-wing drone successfully flew 122 miles while carrying a 33-pound warhead. After completing its mission, the drone returned to Ukrainian lines with approximately 10% battery remaining, allowing for an additional 12 to 15 miles of flight if necessary.

This achievement is notable as the same drone, using its standard battery, has a maximum range of about 84 miles. The PAWELL modification thus increased its operational reach by over 46%, enabling strikes on targets deeper within Russian logistics infrastructure.

PAWELL aims to achieve a new milestone by extending the range to over 249 miles, which would allow Ukrainian drones to engage targets that currently require larger and more expensive platforms.

Strategic Implications

This development is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic advantage in supply chain management. LiNMC cells are mass-produced for the electric vehicle industry, making them readily available and competitively priced compared to military-specific battery production.

By adapting commercially available battery technology for military use, PAWELL has created a procurement advantage. The cost-effectiveness of using modified agricultural drones equipped with EV battery packs to destroy high-value military assets poses a significant challenge for opposing forces.

As Ukraine continues to leverage commercial technology for military applications, PAWELL’s advancements exemplify how innovative engineering can reshape the dynamics of warfare, particularly when financial resources are limited.