Zepp.solutions will develop a hydrogen fuel cell system for the Pipistrel Velis Electro. NLR will equip this electric-powered research aircraft with a hydrogen powertrain. The development of this hydrogen fuel cell system will be in close cooperation with the research institute, to enable manned flights in 2026.

This agreement is a major contribution to NLR’s ‘Climate Neutral Aviation’ programme, which focuses on the development of innovative and sustainable technologies with the aim of making aviation climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest. The new collaboration between NLR and Zepp expresses a joint focus to take concrete steps towards sustainable aviation within the Dutch ecosystem. In doing so, Zepp has the ambition to develop fuel cell systems for aviation and can make a clear contribution with this collaboration. As a launching customer in this sector, NLR offers Zepp the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop its technology in the aviation sector. The system that Zepp will develop will be integrated into a Pipistrel Velis Electro, a two-seater general aviation aircraft. This small electrically powered aircraft offers NLR the opportunity to demonstrate innovative technologies.