Power grids not yet ready for 'flying cars', says Brazil's Eve

Eve Holding

30/06/2023 16:18

By Gabriel Araujo
       SAO PAULO, June 30 (Reuters) - Power grids around the
world are not yet ready for the so-called flying car, an
executive with Brazilian start-up Eve Air Mobility  EVEX.N  told
Reuters, adding that the electric aircraft maker is in talks
with power providers to bridge the gap.
    Eve's Services & Operations Solutions Vice President, Luiz
Mauad, said the nascent industry does face challenges when it
comes to the power supply the electric aircraft needs to
recharge. But he expressed optimism they would be overcome in
time for Eve to meet its target of starting commercial
operations in 2026.
    Eve is one of a bevy of startups worldwide developing
battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically
to ferry travelers to airports or for short city trips, allowing
them to beat traffic.
    Mauad said Eve has been talking to global power generators
and distributors about making infrastructure adequate for the
electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs),
including the so-called vertiports they would take off from.
    Controlled by planemaker Embraer  EMBR3.SA , Eve has an
order backlog of up to 2,850 aircraft, with clients in countries
including Brazil, the United States, India and France.
    "We see that major cities are more prepared and companies
say they have grid studies for those cities, where demand is
greater," Mauad said. "But there is still the 'final mile'
challenge so that power can get to the vertiports."
    He added Eve was keen to partner with power firms to develop
the necessary infrastructure, and said in Brazil the company has
been discussing projects with EDP  ENBR3.SA .
        "Once our clients decide on their specific routes, the
power firms will be able to establish if a given place is OK or
if it will require more time," Mauad said.
    Eve's eVTOL is being developed to have a range of 100 km (60
miles). The average traveled distance is likely to be around 30
km, the company estimates.
    Discussions are also advancing on establishing vertiports,
Mauad said, noting that studies show they can be as small as a
helipad or as large as a hub, with several stands and passenger
terminals, depending on demand and available area.
    "It is a sector in which we learn as we go."

 (Reporting by Gabriel Araujo, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
 ((Gabriel.Araujo2@thomsonreuters.com; +55 11 5047-3352;))