Heart Aerospace unveils electric aircraft tech

Heart Aerospace, the Swedish start-up company that designs and builds all-electric aircraft, has unveiled its electric drivetrain and battery technology. This is the latest milestone in the company’s mission to build a 19-seater electric regional airliner, certified for commercial operations by 2025 and completely fossil fuel-free.

Founded in 2018, Heart Aerospace was spun out of the Electric Air Travel in Sweden (ELISE) project, funded by the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova.

As battery efficiency improves, Heart Aerospace is targeting all short-haul air travel under 2,000 km for electrification. Globally, this accounts for 85% of departures and 43% of carbon dioxide emissions.

Anders Forslund, CEO and founder of Heart Aerospace, said: “The aviation industry is facing a two-fold problem: reconciling itself with a carbon-constrained world and coronavirus hindering passenger demand for flights (particularly long-haul). Before the pandemic, concern was already growing about the environmental impact of flying, contributing to ‘flight shaming’. Next, Covid-19 saw summer flights decline by 90% and Europe spent $36 billion (approx €30.7 billion) on airline bailouts. This is a reset moment, as across the board, the provision of public finance comes with the caveat that bailouts will only be offered in exchange for cutting emissions – and electric aircraft could be the most sustainable and cost-effective way to travel.”