Vertical Aerospace Adopts Universal Charging Standard for eVTOLs

Vertical Aerospace has announced its decision to adopt the Combined Charging Standard (CCS), a universal rapid charging technology favored by electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developers Archer Aviation and BETA Technologies. This move, revealed on March 31, 2024, represents a significant step towards creating a global, industry-wide charging infrastructure for electric aviation.

Vertical Aerospace emphasized that the use of a universal standard will streamline integration for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), operators, and infrastructure providers. It also aims to reduce costs and accelerate the widespread adoption of electric aviation. By adopting CCS, Vertical aims to ensure faster and more efficient charging for its VX4 aircraft, which will be essential for shuttle operations that require rapid turnaround times.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has endorsed the CCS, urging for a universal charging system. This backing reinforces the importance of standardizing charging infrastructure in the electric aviation sector. Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson expressed that the decision to adopt CCS, in collaboration with BETA and Archer, reflects the industry’s commitment to ensuring the commercial viability of electric aviation. “By adopting the CCS, we’re ensuring that VX4 can integrate seamlessly into a shared charging network, which is great news for our customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering a scalable eVTOL ecosystem,” Simpson said.

The adoption of the CCS standard will allow Vertical’s VX4 to quickly charge and condition its batteries, improving operational efficiency. Additionally, it ensures interoperability with all CCS chargers, including BETA’s growing charging network. BETA’s Charge Production Lead, Chip Palombini, highlighted the importance of a robust, interoperable charging infrastructure, noting that it is essential for supporting the scaling of eVTOL operations safely and efficiently worldwide. “We are building a foundation that will allow eVTOLs to operate and scale safely, reliably, and efficiently across the globe, and Vertical Aerospace shares that vision,” Palombini added.

This move by Vertical Aerospace marks an important milestone in the development of electric aviation, ensuring that eVTOL aircraft like the VX4 can be integrated into a global charging network, thereby supporting the growth and scalability of this innovative transportation mode.

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