FutureFlight
Energy Group EDP Backs Embraer's Plans For Electric Aircraft
The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer's new partnership with Portugal-based ENG builds on its 2019 alliance with WEG.
Embraer Impanema
Embraer is using one of its EMB-203 Ipanema light aircraft as a testbed for new electric propulsion technology. (Photo: Embraer)

Energy group EDP today announced a partnership to conduct research into electric aircraft technology with Brazilian airframer Embraer. Through its EDP Smart division, the Portugal-based multinational will make an unspecified financial contribution to acquire energy storage and battery charging technologies for Embraer’s all-electric demonstrator aircraft, which is using an EMB-203 Ipanema as a testbed.

This prototype is expected to achieve first flight in 2021 from Embraer’s Gaviao Peixoto, Brazil facility. Ground tests are already in progress at the Botucatu site, which is also in Brazil's Sao Paulo state.