ABB E-mobility will provide the charging infrastructure for Lilium’s high speed regional air networks, scheduled for commercial launch in 2024 in Florida, Germany and Brazil.

As part of the agreement, ABB will develop, test and supply the MegaWatt fast charging infrastructure necessary for the quick turnaround times needed for electric aviation. These charging points are designed to be capable of fully charging batteries in approximately 30 minutes, and charging up to 80 per cent in 15 minutes, in order to enable the 20-25 flights per aircraft per day planned across Lilium's global vertiport network.

The initial range of a seven seater Lilium Jet is expected to be 155 miles with a cruise speed of 175mph.

“Combining Lilium's mission to grow sustainable aviation with ABB's global market expertise and leadership in e-mobility and charging infrastructure is a win for the environment and a win for passengers,” says ABB E-mobility division president Frank Muehlon. “Moreover, we see this planned partnership as an important commitment to all relevant charging standards that are adopted by multiple electric vehicle manufacturers. 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.”

Lilium CEO and co-founder Daniel Wiegand adds: “We believe that the decarbonisation of aviation is both urgent and inevitable. 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. We are proud to be working with ABB, which bring decades of experience in electrification and software, to set the charging industry standard for electric aviation.”

Lilium’s regional air networks will comprise a series of vertiports with multiple parking bays and high-power charging points. ABB’s MegaWatt Charging System will allow direct current charging of up to 1000 kW and can also be used for electric heavy duty vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Development will support interoperability as promoted by CharIN, a global association that has developed the Megawatt Charging System to prepare an international charging standard for commercial vehicle high power charging; a global standard for charging vehicles of all kinds.