Inflation Reduction Act funding will advance ZeroAvia’s electric propulsion systems and integrate them with its High-Temperature PEM fuel cell technology.
ZeroAvia has received $4.2 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the FAST Tech grant program. This funding will fuel ZeroAvia’s advancements in electric propulsion technology, specifically for powertrains ranging from 2 to 5 megawatts.
The grant will support ZeroAvia’s efforts at its Everett, WA, facility, where the company will focus on developing and testing its cutting-edge electric motor and inverter systems. This work aims to move these technologies closer to certification and commercial use.
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, said, “The FAA is investing in hydrogen and electric propulsion as part of the future for aviation, and our technology is well-positioned to help advance this critical pathway. ZeroAvia appreciates the agency’s recognition of our ability to conduct this important research and development work on electric propulsion systems. This award demonstrates the value of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act in decarbonizing aviation and complements the hydrogen-forward provisions in the recent FAA Reauthorization, both of which are strong indications that US leadership shares our vision of a clean future of flight.”
The project will enhance ZeroAvia’s existing HyperCore stackable motor, which has already undergone ground testing and will build on the company’s silicon-carbide inverters. Additionally, this research will complement ZeroAvia’s ongoing R&D initiatives in the UK, where they are pioneering high-temperature PEM fuel cells to enable hydrogen-electric engines for 40-80-seat aircraft.
Overall, this grant represents a significant step forward for ZeroAvia in its mission to revolutionize aviation with sustainable, electric-powered solutions, and PEM fuel cells.
