ABB E-mobility will provide the charging infrastructure for electric aircraft manufacturer Lilium‘s regional air network, which is scheduled for commercial launch in 2024. Lilium has announced planned launch networks in Florida, Germany and Brazil.

As part of the agreement, ABB will develop, test and supply charging equipment based on standards being developed by CharIN’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS) task force. Powerful and blazingly fast charging will be a prerequisite for the quick turnaround times needed to make electric aviation viable, and MCS will allow DC charging at power levels of up to 1,000 kW. ABB’s charging points are designed to be capable of fully charging batteries up to 80% in 15 minutes, enabling 20-25 flights per aircraft per day across Lilium’s global vertiport network.

Lilium’s 7-seater electric jet is expected to have a cruising speed of 175 mph and a range of 155 miles. Its planned regional air network will be made up of a series of “vertiports,” each with multiple parking bays and high-power charging points.

“We see this planned partnership as an important commitment to all relevant charging standards that are adopted by multiple electric vehicle manufacturers,” said Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility Division. “By supporting the new MegaWatt charging standard, ABB E-mobility is paving the way for the electrification of all modes of transport, from cars and trucks to marine vessels, mining vehicles, and now, aviation.”

“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,” said Daniel Wiegand, CEO and co-founder of Lilium. “We are proud to be working with ABB, who bring decades of experience in electrification and software, to set the charging industry standard for electric aviation.”

Sources: ABB, Lilium