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Electric Power Systems to supply batteries for Eco Caravan; Hybrid-Electric Eco Caravan reduces fuel Consumption and emissions up to 70%.
Los Angeles — Ampaire, a leader in electric aviation, has selected Electric Power Systems (EP Systems) under an exclusive agreement to supply the propulsion battery pack for Ampaire’s hybrid-electric upgrade of the Cessna Grand Caravan.
The nine-passenger Eco Caravan has undergone ground power tests and will fly in the second half of the year. It is the first hybrid-electric aircraft to enter the certification process with the FAA. A supplemental type certification for the upgraded aircraft is expected in 2024.
The EPiCTM energy storage system from EP Systems contains advanced cell technology that offers an energy density of over 200Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram) at the battery pack level while providing over 2,000 fast-charge cycles before a replacement is required given typical usage. The EPiC series of products consists of modular building blocks that allow customization at the aircraft level.
Ampaire already has operational experience with EP Systems technology, flying a prototype of the EPiC system on its Electric EEL flying testbed aircraft. The EEL is a hybrid electric Cessna Skymaster supporting the Department of Energy’s ARPA-e advanced technology unit.
The EPiC energy storage system is the second major element of the Eco Caravan propulsion system that Ampaire has announced. In July, it revealed the RED Aircraft AO3 series compression ignition engine as the combustion portion of an integrated parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system.
“We are working closely with fellow innovators to bring a new level of efficiency and low emissions to aviation,” said Ampaire Founder and CEO Kevin Noertker. “EP Systems has distinguished itself in tailoring its battery technology to our needs with a near-term certifiable solution.”
EP systems will support Ampaire in its work to certify the Eco Caravan. The aircraft can reduce fuel and emissions as much as 70 percent on shorter trips and 50 percent on longer ones, while preserving payload capability and extending range. When flown on sustainable aviation fuel, emissions are near zero. Eco Caravan operating cost is 25 to 40 percent lower depending on the type of missions flown. The hybrid-electric aircraft charges in flight and does not require ground charging infrastructure, meaning it can use any airport Caravans fly from today.
“Ampaire’s practical approach to electrification is the start of a transportation revolution,” said EP Systems Founder and CEO Nathan Millecam. “We share a vision of lowering costs for aircraft operators and their passengers, while moving as quickly as possible to zero emissions aviation.”
About Ampaire
Los Angeles-based Ampaire was formed in 2016 with a mission to become the world’s most-trusted developer of practical, compelling electric aircraft. The company is upgrading existing passenger aircraft to hybrid-electric power—the quickest, most efficient approach to making commercial electric air travel a reality with available technology. The company ultimately intends to offer upgraded and all-new hybrid-electric aircraft, as well as fully electric aircraft. Ampaire technology is scalable to large regional aircraft.
Ampaire has scored a series of industry firsts since the 2019 maiden flight of its Electric EEL technology testbed aircraft. Its EEL market demonstration aircraft has flown nonstop from Los Angeles to San Francisco and the length of the UK. In 2022, it flew a leg of 1,135 miles en route from LA to the EAA Air Venture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
About Electric Power Systems
EP Systems provides high-power, scalable and certifiable powertrains for electrified aviation. It develops energy storage systems, DC fast-charging stations, and electric propulsion products for aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, and industrial traction industries. EP Systems has numerous battery systems currently powering manned and unmanned aircraft (e.g. Diamond eDA-40, NASA X-57, Aurora Flight Sciences Pegasus, Embraer Ipanema, and Boeing CAV). Advanced features such as its patented, lightweight containment box, produce safer battery systems and have resulted in a perfect safety record in the field.
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