FFLIP Demonstrates Scalable Charging Infrastructure for AAM & UAM eVTOL & Electric Transport

The FFLIP project led by Petalite successfully demonstrated high-power, multi-modal charging infrastructure for future AAM & UAM electric aircraft, drones, and ground vehicles

News and images By Summer James
aaminternational.com

A project led by Petalite saw the successful demonstration of the Future Flight and Land Infrastructure Program (FFLIP), designed to power the next generation of AAM & UAM electric vertical landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones, and EVs in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Project Objectives

The FFLIP project aimed to develop technology within each consortium member organization to support the high-power demands of future electric aircraft and airport infrastructure. The focus was on achieving design performance targets, meeting sustainability objectives, and aligning with end-user requirements.

At its conclusion, FFLIP delivered a full-scale, multi-modal demonstration integrating various forms of transport at a site in Oxfordshire. The goal was to validate a 600kW charging infrastructure with multiple power configurations, capable of supporting the rapid, continuous charging of electric ground vehicles, trucks, drones, and eVTOL aircraft.

The Challenge

eVTOLs require ultra-rapid, high-capacity charging to support continuous operation. The main challenge was developing a 600kW solution that balances performance with grid stability and energy efficiency, particularly in urban environments. Petalite addressed this through its intelligent, load-managed charging technology.

Petalite’s Role

Petalite’s technology is well suited to the demands of AAM & UAM eVTOLs, offering the reliability, scalability, and availability required. Its patented Sinusoidal Direct Current (SDC) technology, built from the ground up, simplifies power supply design, enhances modularity, and delivers high reliability. In the event of a power supply failure, the system experiences only a fractional loss in output. This approach removes the limitations of existing voltage source topologies found in current market solutions.

Over the course of the project, Petalite increased the power density of its PowerCore from 12kW to 20kW, improving both size and cost-efficiency. Additionally, the transition from air to liquid cooling enhanced efficiency and longevity while reducing maintenance requirements.

In parallel, the team developed a prototype charge post and power hub with a focus on user experience. Features such as active cable management ensure ease of use while maintaining high performance. Throughout the project, Petalite met all technology milestones, advancing its Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) to 6 and Technical Readiness Level (TRL) to 7.

A Step Closer to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

As part of the project’s conclusion, Petalite’s prototype DC charge post and power hub successfully charged an electric vehicle and a drone simultaneously. This demonstration validated the contributions of all consortium members and proved the viability of high-power, multi-modal charging infrastructure.

The demonstration site in Oxfordshire offered an ideal environment to showcase Petalite’s technology in real-world conditions. Within the available grid capacity, the system performed as intended, supporting simultaneous charging of both an EV and a drone. This practical test confirmed the feasibility of 600kW charging infrastructure with flexible power configurations, designed for continuous operation.

Consortium Members & Their Roles

• Petalite – Developed and tested a rapid charging solution for eVTOL and EV infrastructure.
• Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) – Provided the demonstration site and power supply, supporting the transition to zero-emission transport.
• Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) – Ensured aerospace safety compliance and worked with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to shape eVTOL charging regulations.
• ARC Aerosystems – Supplied eVTOL prototypes for real-world testing.
• SOS Synergy – Designed and installed the electrical infrastructure to support Petalite’s prototype DC charge post and power hub, managed the associated civil engineering, and oversaw the overall demonstration site.

This demonstration marks a significant step forward in the development of charging infrastructure needed to support advanced air mobility in the UK. Projects like FFLIP offer a glimpse into the future and help explore the potential of high-power, scalable charging solutions capable of enabling autonomous air logistics, air taxis, and next-generation aviation.

Petalite’s CTO, Robert Nash, stated, “This project marks a significant milestone for Petalite, proving our technology in a real-world setting. Successfully demonstrating our prototype charger and power hub in the field brings us one step closer to revolutionizing high-power EV and eVTOL charging. The team’s dedication and innovation have been instrumental in making this possible.”

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World!

EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation.

EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck.
This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries.

About EVVTOL

• EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs!

• EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology.

• EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain.

(evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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