New charging network for electric air taxis

The technology company ABB from the Greater Zurich Area is collaborating with the German company Lilium through its e-mobility division according to a press release. As part of the collaboration, ABB will provide the charging infrastructure for Lilium’s electric jets.

Lilium plans to launch a regional electromobility service with its electric jets in 2024. For this, regional air transport networks are to be established consisting of a range of vertiports. Vertiports will have several bays and charging stations. ABB will provide the charging infrastructure with which the jet batteries can be fully charged within 30 minutes and charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes. With this, 20 to 25 flights per jet per day will be possible in Lilium’s network.

CEO and Co-Founder of Lilium Daniel Wiegand states: “We believe that the decarbonization of aviation is both urgent and inevitable. Making sure we have the right charging infrastructure will play a crucial role in enabling our high-speed regional air network by allowing quick and efficient charging.”

ABB and Lilium together hope to set an industry standard for charging electric aircraft. The vertiports should be used to charge not just aircraft but also heavy electric vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Initially, Lilium plans to launch its services in Germany, Brazil, and the USA. The company’s electric jets are intended to transport passengers and freight.