9 August 2023
A new startup company called Aerovolt will launch the first six sites of a network of charging points for electric aircraft in August.
The first six sites will be at:
A further 18 sites across the UK will be installed in the next 18 months.
Aerovolt will start with six charging points across southern Engalnd in August, then expand further into the UK in coming months
Aerovolt was founded in 2022 by Phil K-Dobson with his twin brother Alan and had its public debut at the recent Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).
Aerovolt is also offering low-cost electric flying to all pilots with a Private Pilot’s Licence. A conversion course of training is required but then the Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft will be available for £100 per hour, with electricity costing £8 to £9 per hour.
Aerovolt has developed its own ‘Squadron’ management system to book charging slots, real-time charger usage, load balancing and communication across the network.
“This is an exciting development in the aviation sector,” said a statement from Aerovolt. “Never before has a pilot been able to fly electric from one destination to another, charge the aircraft and return, using a publicly operated permanently installed smart charger.
“Later this year, SkyDemon will be adding our smart charging data feed for electric aircraft to their popular flight planning and navigation application, marking a first in live access to aircraft charger information in pre and in-flight operations.”
New Aerovolt installation at Sandown
UPDATE from Aerovolt (5 August 2023): “We have completed our initial installs at Sandown, Isle of Wight and Lydd, Kent. The chargers are live and connected to the network. There is some additional remote testing to do on the chargers and a full commissioning test with our aircraft which we expect to be completed in the next two weeks. Bournemouth, Lee-on-Solent and Shoreham (Brighton City) are the next installs throughout August/September.”
