Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

Vertical Aerospace this week became the latest eVTOL aircraft manufacturer to adopt the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) battery charging system for the VX4 model it is developing. On March 31, the UK-based company confirmed that it has purchased a pair of the CCS chargers developed by Beta Technologies, which also uses them for its CX300 and Alia 250 electric aircraft.
Adoption of the CCS architecture means that multiple different electric aircraft and ground vehicles can use the same chargers at a growing number of locations. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association, which includes several eVTOL developers, has called for a standardized approach to charging systems. In a white paper titled <a href="https://prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/archerv2/fb524537-1541-4d7e-b4b5-0f812862e1a4_Interoperability_of_Electric_Charging_Infrastructure_v1_0.pdf">Interoperability of Electric Charging Infrastructure,</a> the infrastructure subcommittee of the group’s electric propulsion and innovation committee argued that global standardization will be critical to scaling and commercializing electric aviation.
The CCS standard has already been adopted by Californian eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation, which has previously purchased chargers from Beta in 2023. In April 2024, the Underwriters Laboratory safety organization certified Beta’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-19/betas-charge-cube-earns-ul-safety-certification">“Charge Cube”</a> Level 3 DC fast charger, and the company has been installing the equipment in multiple locations across the U.S. The CCS standard means that charger sockets are compatible with standard-format plugs.
“With certification efforts with five aviation authorities and customers across four continents, Vertical, together with Beta and Archer, choosing this standard means the industry has decided,” commented Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson. “Standardizing charging infrastructure is a crucial step in making electric aviation commercially viable. By adopting the CCS, we’re ensuring VX4 can integrate seamlessly into a shared charging network, which is great news for our customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering a scalable eVTOL ecosystem.”

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Vertical Adopts Standardized Chargers for VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Batteries

UK manufacturer has purchased battery chargers from electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies

Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 is the latest electric aircraft to use Combined Charging Standard battery chargers, having purchased equipment from Beta Technologies.

Vertical Adopts Standardized Chargers for eVTOL Aircraft Batteries

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Vertical Aerospace

Beta Technologies

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