Lilium cooperates with ABB

The Munich-based start-up Lilium wants to establish a regional electric flight network in Germany, Florida and Brazil from 2024. The Swiss company ABB is to provide the fast-charging infrastructure.

"We are delighted to be working with ABB, who have decades of experience in the field of electrification and software. Together, we want to set the industry standard for charging electric aircraft," says Daniel Wiegand, CEO and co-founder of Lilium.

Lilium's electric jets are to go into series production from 2024. They will have space for up to seven people, fly at up to 280 km/h and are expected to have a range of up to 250 kilometers. Each aircraft is expected to complete 20 to 25 flights per day - the batteries will then be recharged at fast charging points operated by Swiss industrial group ABB.

The charging stations work with direct current and have an output of up to 1000 kW. It should only take 30 minutes to charge the aircraft, and after 15 minutes the battery is already 80 percent charged. The technology can also be used in other areas. "By supporting the new MegaWatt charging standard, ABB E-Mobility is paving the way for the electrification of all modes of transportation, from cars and trucks to ships, mining vehicles and now aviation," explains Frank Muehlon, President of ABB's E-Mobility division.