Hybrid and electric flight
Laying the groundwork for decarbonising aviation
On the path to lower-carbon flight
REDEFINING PROPULSION
A range of technologies are required in order to meet the aviation industry’s decarbonisation ambition. Chief among them are promising propulsion concepts, such as electrification, hybrid-powered flight and hydrogen fuel cells. At Airbus, our research into electrification aims to lay the groundwork for the future industry-wide adoption and regulatory acceptance of alternative means of propulsion for aircraft, helicopters and urban air vehicles.
Collaborating on hybridisation research
We are working closely with key industry players to advance hybridisation research. In November 2022, Airbus and Renault Group signed a research and development agreement which aims to accelerate both companies’ electrification roadmaps.
In June 2023, Airbus and STMicroelectronics signed an agreement to advance research on the next generation of semiconductors, which will be a key enabler of hybrid and fully electric aircraft such as the ZEROe demonstrator and CityAirbus NextGen.
Hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion
In a hybrid configuration, an aircraft uses several energy sources in flight, either in tandem or alternately. The mix of energy sources optimises overall energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
Hybrid-electric propulsion leads to better energy management, reducing fuel consumption by up to 5% compared to a standard flight. The electricity can come from batteries or fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity.
Our electric flight projects
EcoPulse
A new approach to distributed propulsion for aircraft
EcoPulse is a distributed hybrid-propulsion aircraft demonstrator, developed in partnership with Daher and Safran with the support of France’s CORAC and DGAC.
CityAirbus NextGen
Safe, sustainable and integrated urban air mobility
This all-electric, four-seat multicopter demonstrator focuses on advancing remotely piloted vertical take-off and landing flight (eVTOLs).
DisruptiveLab
A new flying laboratory
Disruptive Lab will evaluate a new aerodynamic rotorcraft architecture. It will also test hybridisation, with a fully parallel hybrid propulsion system that enables the battery to be recharged in-flight.
Latest in hybrid and electric flight
In the spotlight
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Stories InnovationIs quantum computing an enabler for the decarbonisation of aviation?
The accelerating development of quantum computing hardware and software bring this exciting emerging technology into sharper focus. Airbus and other aerospace players aim to harness its power, speed… -
News SpaceEUTELSAT 36D Airbus-built satellite successfully launched
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Stories InnovationFirst ZEROe engine fuel cell successfully powers on
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Stories InnovationASCENDing to new heights with cryogenic superconductivity
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Stories InnovationEcoPulse demonstrator takes first flight with batteries onboard
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Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
