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Hitachi Energy and Eve Air Mobility are working together to develop electric charging infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft, such as the Eve 100 model being developed by the Embraer subsidiary. Under a partnership announced on Friday, Hitachi will adapt its Grid-eMotion technology—already in use with buses and trucks—to support electric aircraft.
According to Marco Berardi, head of grid and power quality solutions at Hitachi, engineers at both companies will explore the potential for both rapid and ultra-fast charging options. The equipment uses the Combined Charging System global standard that is already compatible with many vehicles and most eVTOL aircraft in development.
Berardi told AIN the partners are initially prioritizing provision of charging infrastructure in Brazil and the U.S., which they expect to be early adopters of eVTOL air taxis. They did not say when the first vertiports will be equipped with chargers, with Eve aiming to certify its four-passenger model by the end of 2028.
“Within these markets, the focus is on dense urban environments, including connections between financial centers and major transport hubs where electrified air mobility can deliver immediate value,” he commented. “Hitachi Energy’s role is to ensure these locations are supported by the necessary power systems, enabling reliable grid integration and scalable charging infrastructure as deployments move forward.”
Hitachi Energy will focus on electrification and grid integration as part of the infrastructure set up process. The company, which is based in Switzerland, said that charging operations could be commercialized under various business models.
“Our Grid-eMotion charging infrastructure is compact and keeps the vertiport area free from charging equipment and other electrical infrastructure,” Berardi said. “This helps maximise operational space and provides the safety conditions required for aircraft takeoffs and landings.”