ZeroAvia has reached a certification milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS), having received a G-1 Issue Paper (stage 2) and confirming agreement on its contents. The approval formalises the applicable airworthiness regulations for the EPS, enabling the company to validate its design requirements as it progresses toward full certification.

The 600kW EPS is a key component of ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, designed for up to 20-seat commercial aircraft. It integrates proprietary inverter and electric motor technology to deliver efficient performance with high fault tolerance. The system includes four 200kW bidirectional inverters converting DC to AC power for a direct drive motor operating at 2,200rpm. Its applications extend to battery, hybrid, and fuel cell-powered aircraft, rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

ZeroAvia has established a 136,000sq ft Propulsion Center of Excellence in Everett, Washington to manufacture electric propulsion systems. The company is also exploring opportunities to supply its EPS technology separately to other clean aviation innovators.

Founder and CEO Val Miftakhov says: “Certifying and selling our 600kW electric propulsion system helps ZeroAvia expand our addressable market and increase our impact in pursuit of a clean future of flight. With nearly 3,000 orders for our full powertrains and components, achieving a first certification will be a monumental achievement for our team and for the aviation industry, unlocking clean, efficient and affordable air transport all over the world.”

ZeroAvia continues to advance testing for its hydrogen-electric technology, including trials aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft and work towards a supplemental type certificate for the Cessna Grand Caravan. Development efforts also include the ZA2000 system for up to 80-seat regional aircraft such as the ATR 72 and Dash 8-400.