NATHAN MILLECAM

- PRESIDENT & CEO, ELECTRIC POWER

The flight toward sustainable aviation

Systems

Battery technology is at the heart of aviation's transformation to sustainability. Millecam emphasises this pivotal shift where batteries replace traditional fuel sources in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. However, the challenge isn't just environmental; it's also about maintaining economic viability in this transition. EP Systems strives to balance sustainability and affordability in its pursuit of a greener future.

Efficiency and economics: the EPiC model

Electric aircraft offer 2 to 3 times greater efficiency than fossil-fueled planes. But to make this a reality requires pushing the boundaries of current battery technology. EP Systems, aiming to spearhead the next phase of electric aviation, has innovated over fifty aerospace battery propulsion systems, most recently the EPiC model. These advancements promise substantial savings, slashing maintenance costs and reducing environmental impact.

Safety standards and innovation

Safety standards in aviation battery production pose significant challenges. EP Systems must meet rigorous regulations across different regions while scaling up production. "Thermal runaway" or overheating is a critical issue in batteries – and even more so in aviation – requiring meticulous handling to avoid potential hazards. “The energy density of the battery pack is crucial in aviation, and this is our speciality,” he emphasises.

Versatile design and swift recharging

EP Systems' innovative approach centres on creating adaptable battery modules suitable for various aircraft applications, a shift from the norm of custom-designed batteries. Such standardisation may lower costs and enhance production efficiency. Moreover, they’ve cracked the code on fast charging without sacrificing battery longevity, with the goal of achieving a turnaround time of about 20 minutes for a battery that’s 80% discharged.

Sustainable sourcing and future readiness

Lithium batteries, a primary component in EP Systems' technology, offer immense power density but also raise concerns about sustainable sourcing. Millecam sheds light on EP Systems' strategy – establishing local lithium sources and gaining control over the supply chain.