Vertical Aerospace Targets eVTOL Battery Maintenance

LONDON—British eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace has outlined its aftermarket strategy as it prepares for certification of its four-six-passenger tiltrotor VX4 in 2028.

In a white paper authored by Dick Forsberg, the former head of strategy for leasing major Avolon, it was noted that Vertical will seek to monetize its proprietary battery technology to provide maintenance and replacement battery services to customers.

“The VX4 is simpler to maintain and operate than any helicopter, with maintenance costs heavily weighted toward the battery pack,” wrote Forsberg.

This is because electric motors are much simpler than jet turbines, with far fewer moving parts and supporting components, thus removing the engine as the prime maintenance concern on the aircraft.

“Battery maintenance and replacement will account for a significant proportion of lifetime maintenance costs,” added Forsberg.

Although Vertical sources its individual power cells from Taiwanese battery manufacturer Molicel, the UK company owns intellectual property for battery design, cell packaging, cooling systems, and electronic battery management systems.

Its current-generation batteries deliver 220 wH/kg, which is similar to some popular electric cars.

The airframe will be another source of maintenance cost. Forsberg noted that while lifetime structural limits are still to be determined, the VX4’s composite construction eliminates concerns such as corrosion, while the eVTOL’s unpressurized cabin will also do away with a major source of structural fatigue.

Vertical Aerospace aims to deliver 150 VX4s by 2030. Its preorder backlog stands at 1,450 aircraft, of which the largest potential customer is American Airlines, with 350 preorders. Also within the total are 500 units to be leased from Avolon, whose founder, Domhnal Slattery, is chairman of the Vertical Aerospace board.