VoltAero selects Electric Power Systems’ EPiC™ energy storage system for the prototype Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft

 Royan, France/North Logan, Utah, USA, January 27, 2022 – The VoltAero prototype Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft will be equipped with Electric Power Systems’ EPiC™ energy storage system, bringing industry-leading battery technology to VoltAero’s first-built versions of its Cassio airplane family. 

 An agreement announced today by the two companies calls for the initial EPiC™ energy storage system to be delivered in the first half of 2022 for integration on VoltAero’s no. 1 Cassio 330 – the company’s four-seat variant with a combined hybrid-electric power of 330 kilowatts. 

 “Electric Power Systems is at the forefront of electric aircraft battery technology, which makes the company a natural match-up for our Cassio aircraft and its unique hybrid propulsion unit,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and Chief Technology Officer. “This agreement marks another important step closer to the Cassio 330’s maiden takeoff, which will initiate our development, test and certification program for the Cassio series of airplanes.” 

 The EPiC™ energy storage system contains advanced cell technology that offers an energy density of over 200 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram) at the battery pack level, while providing over 2,000 fast-charge cycles before replacement is required. The EPiC Ecosystem developed by Electric Power Systems consists of modular building blocks that allow customization at the aircraft level. 

“I am extremely impressed with the Cassio aircraft, which benefits from the expertise of Jean Botti and his VoltAero team – who are true pioneers in electric aviation,” stated Nathan Millecam, the Co-Founder and CEO of Electric Power Systems. 

To be produced in versions with capacities of four to 10 seats, the Cassio family will provide highly capable and reliable aircraft for private owners, air taxi/charter companies, commercial service in point-to-point regional travel, and for use in other utility-category (cargo, postal delivery, Medevac) applications. 

 VoltAero’s Cassio design is based on a sleek, aerodynamically optimized fuselage, a forward canard, and an aft-set wing with twin booms that support a high-set horizontal tail. It will be qualified to Europe’s EASA CS23 certification specification as a single-engine, general aviation category aircraft, and is designed from the start for a low cost of ownership. 

Cassio will be offered in three versions beginning with the Cassio 330, each sharing a high degree of modularity and commonality. The follow-on six-seat Cassio 480 will have a hybrid-electric propulsion power of 480 kilowatts, while the Cassio 600 is sized at a 10-seat capacity with a hybrid-electric propulsion power of 600 kilowatts. 

VoltAero’s proprietary hybrid-electric powertrain has undergone extensive flight evaluations with the company’s Cassio 1 demonstrator aircraft, covering more than 8,500 kilometers in operations across Europe on typical general aviation and air taxi/charter route segments – thereby de-risking it for airworthiness certification. 

Cassio aircraft are to be built in a dedicated production facility at Rochefort Airport in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the first half of 2022. 

About VoltAero

VoltAero is taking electric aircraft to an entirely new level. Benefitting from 80-plus years of combined pioneering expertise, VoltAero is developing a truly unique general aviation airplane family, Cassio, for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight in hybrid-electric and electric modes. A flight demonstrator aircraft is validating the Cassio hybrid-electric powertrain, de-risking it for airworthiness certification and the subsequent application on VoltAero’s new-production airplanes. 

Cassio aircraft will be assembled in a purpose-built facility at Rochefort Airport in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. 

About Electric Power Systems

Electric Power Systems (EP Systems) is a leading provider of high-power scalable powertrains that are certifiable 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. EPS is an emerging leader in the industry and has numerous battery systems currently powering customer flight demonstrator vehicles. Its advanced features produce safer battery systems resulting in a perfect safety record in the field. 

Boeing and Safran invested in EP Systems in 2019 to enhance its research and development, energy storage and electric propulsion capabilities. EPS current and publicly announced customers include the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as Boeing, Safran, Bell Textron, Embraer, and Diamond. 

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