18 February 2025
American-British company ZeroAvia has sold its first 600kW electric propulsion system with delivery expected this Spring.
The buyer is another US company, Jetcruzer International, which has resurrected a 1980s design and redeveloping it as the Jetcruzer 500E, a six-seat hydrogen-electric powered aircraft.
ZeroAvia claims more than 2,000 pre-orders for its full hydrogen-electric powertrains from commercial airlines. Last year the company launched the electric motor element as a separate product.
ZeroAvia’s 600kW electric motor. Photo: ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia’s 600kW (about 805bhp) motor has received an FAA G-1 issue paper outlining the basis of certification. The 600kW system comprises four ZeroAvia 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters converting DC power to AC to supply ZeroAvia’s direct drive motor, capable of 2,200rpm.
Jetcruzer International is developing the Jetcruzer 500E, a six-seat hydrogen-electric aircraft, with an entry-into-service target of 2028, followed by the 1250E in 2030.
ZeroAvia’s electric motor system will be integrated into flight testing using a redesigned and rebuilt Jetcruzer 500 as a testbed for the new electric aircraft.
Jetcruzer started flight tests last year. Photo: Jetcruzer
Originally conceived in the 1990s as inexpensive air transport, the conventionally powered Jetcruzer 500 achieved significant FAA certification milestones but never reached production. Jetcruzer International acquired the intellectual property in 2017.
Victor Tao, CEO of JetCruzer International, said, “Sustainable aviation is the future, and we are thrilled to take a leadership role in advancing this vision.
“The electrification of the Jetcruzer 500E represents a bold step forward in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the high performance and efficiency our customers expect.”
