LOGAN, Utah — EP Systems has introduced the EPiC 2.0 aircraft energy storage system.
Compared to today’s battery technology, the new battery provides up to 30 additional minutes of usable flight time, opening up a host of new applications for electric aircraft, according to company officials.
In 2021, EP Systems introduced its Electric Propulsion ion Core Ecosystem, which offers 60 minutes of usable flight time with 30 minutes of reserve.
The new system, 2.0, advances the concept even farther, providing 90 minutes of flight time with 30 minutes of reserve, according to company officials, who note the EPiC 2.0 can charge in 30 minutes to 80% battery capacity.
“The average duration of a local training flight is just over an hour, so having one hour plus capacity makes that feasible,” said Dan Sutliff, an assistant professor at Utah Valley University. “The additional range of these new batteries will allow us to do local flight training and cross-country flight training as well — everything that needs to be completed for a private pilot certificate.”
EPiC 2.0 is undergoing its safety of flight development and is scheduled to become available for flight in early 2025.
For more information: EPSEnergy.com
As if learning to fly isn’t stressful enough, now add range anxiety to mix.
That better battery could also play an aircraft sound like the aircraft sounds I love. Old school ? sure.
1 hour flight time with 30 minute reserve? Probably okay for pattern work. Then again the current technology has a long way to go.
The inter structure is not there yet. 30 minute charge for 80% capacity ? So I can fly for 48 minutes with a 30 minute reserve.
I believe in new development, how like the EV auto market, the technology and reliability and support are not there yet.
15-20 years from now is the time frame for development, however new technology to replace our current battery capability is needed. No one really knows what thsat technology will be.