Vertical Aerospace is to adopt the universal rapid charging standard favored by electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developers Archer Aviation and BETA Technologies.
Vertical Aerospace explained on March 31, 2024, that the path to eVTOL developers using the same charging standard “marks a significant step towards a global, industry-wide charging infrastructure”.
According to Vertical, a universal standard will mean that there is “seamless integration for OEMs, operators, and infrastructure providers while reducing costs and accelerating the adoption of electric aviation”.
The Combined Charging Standard (CCS) has been endorsed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), which has called for a universal system
The technology will allow Vertical’s VX4 to achieve fast turnaround times, including rapid battery charging and conditioning for shuttle operations.
Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical Aerospace, said: “With certification efforts with five aviation authorities and customers across four continents, Vertical, together with BETA and Archer, choosing this standard means the industry has decided. Standardizing charging infrastructure is a crucial step in making electric aviation commercially viable. 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.”
Vertical’s adoption of CCS will provide immediate interoperability with all CCS chargers of this standard, including BETA’s growing network.
Chip Palombini, BETA’s Charge Production Lead, said: “The true unlock of the next generation of aviation won’t come just from novel aircraft, it’s about a robust interoperable charging infrastructure that can support all manufacturers. 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.”
