SkyDrive and KEPCO Partner to Develop Electric Charging Infrastructure for eVTOLs
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a prominent Japanese manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft, has joined forces with the Kansai Electric Power Company (“KEPCO”) to develop electric charging infrastructure for eVTOLs. These facilities will be deployed in Osaka, Kansai, in preparation for the World EXPO 2025.
SkyDrive, with its vision of leading the mobility revolution of our time, is focused on creating an affordable eVTOL aircraft designed for everyday mass transportation. The company has been chosen to participate in the “Smart Mobility Expo” Project under the Advanced Air Mobility category at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where it will showcase its “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft. KEPCO, on the other hand, specializes in developing charging facilities for eVTOLs and exploring the installation of electric power infrastructure at eVTOL vertiports with a potential entry into the charging infrastructure sector.
In 2022, SkyDrive initiated a capital and business alliance with KEPCO, which led to collaborative efforts in researching and developing advanced charging facilities essential for the practical integration of eVTOLs into daily life. These facilities allow for rapid charging with high current and voltage, ensuring minimal turnaround times and cost-effective operations. Moreover, their design supports scalability, facilitating broader global applications.
The initial charging facilities are set to be installed at the Flight Test Facility by the end of this year to support ongoing flight tests. Subsequently, another facility will be established at the eVTOL vertiport on Yumeshima Island for the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
SkyDrive and KEPCO maintain their commitment to close collaboration, aiming to successfully introduce eVTOL technology in Japan and around the world.
About SkyDrive Inc.
Founded in July 2018, SkyDrive emerged after years of testing flying car concepts and prototypes. Their mission is to lead the mobility revolution of our era, making eVTOLs accessible for daily transportation in Japan and beyond. In 2019, SkyDrive achieved the first crewed eVTOL flight test in Japan, and their eVTOL model, “SKYDRIVE,” is in the process of acquiring Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification. SkyDrive is also part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and production of “SKYDRIVE” is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2024, in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Company, their official production partner. SkyDrive’s headquarters are situated in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and the company is led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
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