Mobius.energy Corporation's Husky battery module is to be incorporated in Australia-based Dovetail's zero-emission electric conversions of Cessna Grand Caravan and other commuter aircraft. Mobius will supply its Husky battery module to power a total of 65 aircraft in Dovetail's backlog. Dovetail plans to bring converted battery electric commuters to market as fully certified aircraft by 2025, and Mobius will support Dovetail's efforts with a certifiable battery solution.

The conversion of turbine aircraft to electric propulsion promises to bring zero emissions aviation into the mainstream much faster and more cost-effectively than via newly commissioned electric planes. Dovetail expects to achieve a supplemental type certificate (STC) for converted aircraft within three years, compared with more than eight to 10 years for clean sheet electric aircraft and at a fraction of the certification costs. Converted aircraft will be quieter than their donor planes and will enjoy reduced operating costs of around 40 per cent. The company has established customer relationships or memoranda of understanding with a range of airlines including Australia's Sydney Seaplanes, Alt Air, SeaAir Pacific, Europe's Volotea, Air Nostrum, Isla Air and Monte Aircraft Leasing. Dovetail has also recently partnered with Rex Airlines, the largest regional airline operator in Australia.

“Mobius' energy-dense battery module provides a low total cost solution that supports our efforts to reduce the operating cost of regional air service operation by over 40 per cent,” says Dovetail CEO and co-founder David Doral. “We are excited to be the fixed wing aircraft launch partner for Mobius' battery.”

Mobius has developed battery module hardware and software for a safe and high-performance battery optimised for electric aircraft. The Husky's independent modular architecture at a high voltage of 800 V includes an innovative thermal management system and a customisable battery management system (BMS). To build a pack to power an aircraft, multiple modules can be connected in parallel providing multiple redundancies that improve safety. The modular approach enables radical simplification of the installation, maintenance and removal of the battery pack. With only 20 per cent of the non-cell component overhead, Mobius has perfected an industry-leading lightweight design that results in a high energy density of 216 Wh/kg at the pack level using market-proven Li-ion battery cells.

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Dovetail and supply batteries for electric conversion of commuter aircraft,” says Mobius CEO and founder Eugene Choi. “Dovetail and Mobius are well aligned in our practical approach to bring zero emissions aviation to the mainstream with the best technology solutions available now while making provisions for future innovation.”