Battery Pack Pioneer Sets Sights on Leading Role in Electric Aviation

EP Systems expects its Epic energy storage system to be in use on around 14 aircraft types in 2023, including Ampaire's EcoCaravan hybrid-electric conversion model.

Ampaire's planned conversion of the Cessna Grand Caravan to hybrid-electric propulsion will use EP Systems' energy storage system. — Ampaire's planned conversion of the Cessna Grand Caravan to hybrid-electric propulsion will use EP Systems' Epic energy storage system. (Image: Ampaire)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

September 30, 2022

Boosted by Ampaire’s selection of its Epic energy storage system to convert the Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft to hybrid-electric propulsion, Electric Power Systems (EP Systems) is stepping up plans to secure a larger stake in the growing electric aviation sector. During this week’s JetBlue Ventures Sustainable Travel Summit in San Francisco, the U.S. company’s founder and CEO, Nathan Millecam, said that he expects the Epic battery packs to be installed on as many as 14 aircraft models in 2023.

Earlier this month, Ampaire confirmed that it will use the Epic system for its EcoCaravan program, for which it is developing a hybrid-electric propulsion system. According to EP Systems, its battery pack will deliver an energy density of over 200 Wh/kg and will be able to support 2,000 fast-charge cycles before needing to be replaced. It says that a full recharge takes 20 minutes for each pack.

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