VoltAero unveils hybrid-electric powertrain for light aircraft
Deliveries expected to begin in late 2026
Power unit operates with a single throttle, with the thermal engine handling power from zero to 70 pc.
French aerospace company VoltAero has introduced its HPU 210 hybrid-electric powertrain, developed for use in homebuilt, kit-built, and very light propeller-driven aircraft.
Power unit operates with a single throttle, with the thermal engine handling power from zero to 70 pc.
At France Air Expo, VoltAero has unveiled the HPU 210 hybrid-electric powertrain, designed for homebuilt, kit-built, and very light propeller-driven aircraft.
In a press statement, VoltAero says that the new power unit combines a high-performance thermal engine with an electric motor to deliver a 40 pc power boost during take-off and climb. The HPU 210 is based on the company’s hybrid propulsion system already tested on its Cassio S flying testbed, which has logged more than 185 flight hours and flown nearly 25,000 km.
It adds that the HPU 210 integrates Kawasaki’s H2SX engine, which delivers a maximum of 150 kW, and a 60-kW electric motor. The electric motor is used during high-power operations, such as take-off, providing shorter runway use and higher cruise speeds. The H2SX is adapted from Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX sport motorcycle and includes electronic fuel injection, with an estimated time between overhauls (TBO) of 1,500 hours.
As per statement, the power unit operates with a single throttle, with the thermal engine handling power from zero to 70 pc and the electric motor delivering additional power during peak requirements. The unit is compatible with AVGAS, E85 biofuel and standard unleaded petrol, with fuel consumption stated to be as low as 38 litres per hour at cruise.
The statement says that the powertrain is being offered as a turnkey kit comprising the thermal engine, electric motor, gearbox, and electronic control unit. Bench testing was carried out with its partner AKIRA in southern France.
VoltAero says that the production of the HPU 210 will take place at its facility at Rochefort Airport in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, where the Cassio aircraft are also to be assembled. Deliveries of the unit are scheduled to begin in late 2026.
As per the statement, French company says that the HPU 210 is currently on display at VoltAero’s stand at France Air Expo, which is being held at Lyon Bron Airport from June 5 to 7.
