In a vote of confidence for Beta Technologies’ electric aviation infrastructure, the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety organization this week certified the company’s “charge cube,” a Level 3 DC fast charger that supports electric aircraft as well as ground vehicles.
UL certification is an internationally recognized safety badge that shows a product has been rigorously tested for compliance with safety standards and regulations. For Beta’s charge cube, the certification process included electrical, mechanical, environmental, and electromagnetic compatibility testing.
According to Beta, the UL certification “drastically simplifies the permitting process for electrical utility hook-up,” which will help expedite the company’s efforts to roll out a network of aircraft charging stations at airports and FBOs across the country. Beta already has chargers operational at more than 20 U.S. airports and has an additional 50 locations in development. Meanwhile, the Vermont-based company is also developing two electric aircraft, a fixed-wing and an eVTOL model that are expected to enter service in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
“Having the only UL-certified charger designed specifically for electric aircraft provides our customers with a sense of confidence and safety in our products as they prepare for future operations,” said Chip Palombini, Beta’s head of charge product. “To receive this certification from a nationally recognized lab like UL validates what all of us in this industry are working toward. It demonstrates that the technology is ready for the market, and our growing list of customers proves that the market is ready for this technology.”
Beta’s charge cube uses the combined charging system (CCS), an internationally recognized standard for electric vehicle chargers that has been endorsed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (Eurocae). Meanwhile, rival eVTOL developer Joby Aviation is introducing its own charging standard, the Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS), which it says will be capable of supporting larger electric aircraft in the future.
In addition to the charge cube, Beta is also offering a smaller, portable version of the charging device called the “mini cube.” Beta’s standard charge cubes produce 350 kilowatts of power, which is enough to charge a typical eVTOL air taxi in under an hour. Each unit stands about 4 feet tall and features a 50-foot charging cable for easy access. The mini cube, which sits on caster wheels, is also a Level 3 DC fast charger, but it produces only about 40 kilowatts of power output.