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The Future Is a Fast Charge

An electric debut from Diamond and Safran advances the sustainability game, if it meets the timeline proposed.

The eDA40 from Diamond Aircraft would change the game with a true “fast charge” system. [Courtesy: Diamond Aircraft]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Current electric training aircraft, such as the Pipistrel Velis Electro, face limitations in flight school environments due to lengthy battery recharge times (1-2+ hours).
  • Diamond Aircraft and Safran are developing an electric DA40 (eDA40) powered by Safran’s ENGINeUS 100 motor, with certification expected in late 2023 to early 2024.
  • The eDA40's standout feature is its proposed 20-minute "fast charge" turnaround time, deemed a "game changer" for making electric aircraft practical for high-utilization flight training.
  • Despite the promising fast-charge capability, the long-term durability and performance of electric motors in the demanding flight training environment remain a key question for adoption by flight school owners.
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Just two weeks ago, I shared the occasion of my first flight in a fully electric-powered airplane, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, which gained certification under EASA more than a year ago.

The Velis Electro fills a niche—for the moment. In my assessment, I noted that, in order for it to secure its place in flight training, the down time between flights required to charge the battery needed to come down. Unless it’s on Pipistrel’s “fast charge” system, the time to recharge moves from one hour to more than two hours in some cases.

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