ZeroAvia has announced it has reached a key milestone toward US certification of its 600 kW electric propulsion system (EPS), following agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on a P-1 Special Conditions Issue Paper. This new step follows the issuance of the G-1 Issue Paper by the FAA in February 2025 and defines the special conditions needed for ZeroAvia’s electric propulsion technology as it moves through regulatory review.
According to ZeroAvia, the 600 kW EPS features its proprietary inverter and direct drive motor, with four 200 kW continuous power bidirectional inverters converting DC power to AC to supply a direct drive motor rated for 2,200 rpm. ZeroAvia says the system delivers high fault tolerance and specific power, targeting novel electric air transport applications.
The intended applications for the 600 kW EPS, include battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system is also a component in ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, designed for up to 20-seat commercial aircraft, combining the electric propulsion system with a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system.
ZeroAvia has already tested a prototype of its ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine on a Dornier 228 at its UK site and is collaborating with Textron Aviation on a supplemental type certificate for the Cessna Grand Caravan airframe. The company also named RVL Aviation as its UK launch customer for a hydrogen-electric commercial service route.
Source: ZeroAvia
