Supernal and Electric Power Systems (EPS) are to jointly accelerate development and production of safe, lighter-weight and certifiable eVTOL vehicle batteries. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony at Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, the first vehicle partnership for Supernal.

The aim is to enable the introduction of commercial eVTOL vehicle flights and support increasing enhancements to vehicle performance as the AAM market matures. Supernal, part of Hyundai Motor Group, plans to work within an open ecosystem model that will address the niche technology needs of AAM.

"Advanced air mobility requires an expansive value chain and many aspects, from battery power to digital infrastructure and passenger experience, require improvements and cross-chain integration to enable progress," says Hyundai Motor Group president and Supernal CEO Jaiwon Shin. "We are excited to work with Electric Power Systems and develop game-changing technologies that will revolutionise air travel and increase human possibility."

Supernal will continue growing its network of battery talent and partners to drive power, energy, charging time and cycle life improvements that will lead to longer, more affordable eVTOL vehicle flights.

"We are pleased to partner with Supernal as it seeks to democratise flight and create a new, sustainable transport category," says EPS president and CEO Nate Millecam. "Supernal's long-term perspective and comprehensive approach to codeveloping the advanced air mobility space has enabled it to be viewed as an industry thought leader and savvy partner of choice."

EPS' experience has given the company a broad perspective on the electric evolution taking place throughout aviation. All-electric aircraft need high-density energy storage. By harnessing advancements in battery power and material technology, EP Systems' unique battery management system provides an elevated solution.

Current EPS customers include NASA, the FAA, Boeing, Safran, Bell Textron, Diamond Aircraft, VoltAero, Aura Aero and Embraer.