Vehicle electrification specialist Equipmake (EQIP) has announced a technology partnership which will see it develop state-of-the-art electric motors for electric aerospace propulsion company H55 using its proprietary rotor design.
Under the deal, Equipmake will supply lightweight, power dense electric motors used by H55 on the BRM Bristell B23 Energic aircraft, a two-seater electric trainer designed for flight schools and pilot training.
Equipmake said it had been chosen for its expertise in advanced electrification technology and rapid manufacturing capability, with the aim of developing certified propulsion systems.
Ian Foley, CEO, commented: "Through our lightweight, power dense electric motors, we're delighted to be partnering with H55 and are looking forward to working with the team on the BRM Aero project - from development all the way through to certified systems - which will result in an advanced electric two-seater training aircraft.
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News of an important partnership in aviation demonstrates that the company’s plans to support the electrification of multiple industries is on track, with research & development supported by the funds raised from its Aquis IPO in July 2022 and a £6.2m gross placing in January this year, totalling £16m.
While the electric aviation market is at an early stage, it’s expected to grow rapidly in the years ahead to reach $51bn by 2032. This deal with one of the leading developers of electric aviation is a significant endorsement of Equipmake’s expertise in developing lightweight and power-dense motors which address some of the major challenges of electric flight.
Meanwhile, Equipmake is already in enjoying commercial success in ground- based transportation, notably in the electrification of bus and coach fleets through its ‘repower’ offering. It’s already delivered the first of 12 EV retrofits to First Group with a second order from the bus operator to repower a double-decker from diesel, and is working on trials of an Equipmake-converted fully-electric London Routemaster.
Repowering existing commercial vehicles is a cost-effective way of helping bus operators meet Net Zero targets. Equipmake estimates that a repower costs less than half the price of ordering a new electric bus or coach and can keep perfectly usable chassis on the road for longer – most coaches remain in service for 25 years or more.
The technology is also being applied to emergency vehicles in the US and UK, which has helped the company shift its revenue model from grant income to almost entirely commercial. At the start of February, the company’s order book stood at £9.1m, with a healthy medium-term pipeline across multiple sectors and geographies.
Converting highly polluting diesel fleets is likely to gather pace in the coming years, and Equipmake’s expertise leaves it well positioned to drive that. And if it can help crack the holy grail of electric aviation, the sky is the limit for its prospects.