Melbourne, Florida, July 15, 2021 – Embraer´s Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions (“Eve”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian operation of EDP, a multinational energy leader, to collaborate on Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Both companies will cooperate on the research of operational models for charging infrastructure solutions needed for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to begin operations.
Some of the subjects covered in the collaborative research will be the evolution of battery technology and charging systems, management of charging points, and payment systems. Together, the companies will evaluate the development of a viable UAM energy infrastructure following the analysis results.
“Innovation is part of the EDP pillars and is a topic that gets our constant attention. We believe that a low-carbon future necessarily involves developing electric mobility, be it by land or air. That’s why we signed this memorandum with Eve to study possible ways of participating and contributing to this visionary future of eVTOLs. Our business is ideally suited for this UAM future with our energy solutions and charging Infrastructure,” highlights Andrea Salinas, Director of Innovation and Ventures at EDP in Brazil.
“Our collaboration with EDP is an important building block for Eve as we work to bring our zero-emission eVTOL to market. Energy analysis and infrastructure solutions are incredibly important in contributing to carbon reduction and ensuring we are meeting industry goals. For us at Eve, this is the next step in preparing the UAM ecosystem for the future of urban flight,” said Andre Stein, President & CEO of Eve.
EDP’s know-how in the development of mobility solutions
EDP has a global commitment to electrify 100% of its fleet by 2030 and develop new products and commercial solutions to promote decarbonization. It has more than 1,500 electric stations worldwide. Its expansion in Brazil and Eve’s expertise contribute to implementing comprehensive UAM charging solutions to support future vehicles and systems for all stakeholders in the UAM market.
This partnership will be developed through Eve and EDP’s Innovation team in conjunction with its venture capital investment unit in Brazil, EDP Ventures Brasil. The solutions to be studied include the technology and equipment for charging eVTOLs at vertiports, requirements, and availability of energy, Infrastructure at charging stations, cargo management, and business models, energy management and supply, operation logistics, and integration with the flight management and control system. This follows the previous announcement from Embraer and EDP’s collaboration on the electric fixed-wing demonstrator in 2020 that is still going on.
About Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions (Eve)
Eve is a new, independent company dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem. Benefitting from an agile startup mindset, backed by Embraer’s more than 50-year history of aerospace expertise, and with a singular focus, Eve is taking a holistic to progress the UAM ecosystem with an advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) project, comprehensive global services and support network, and a unique air traffic management solution. Eve is the first company to graduate from EmbraerX. For more information, visit www.eveairmobility.com.
About EDP in Brazil
With over 20 years of experience, EDP is one of the largest private companies in the electricity sector operating throughout the value chain. The Company has more than 10,000 direct and outsourced employees, has six hydroelectric and one thermoelectric generation unit, and operates in Transmission, Commercialization, and Energy Services. In Distribution, it serves about 3.5 million customers in São Paulo and Espírito Santo and is the main shareholder of Celesc in Santa Catarina. In 2020, it was elected the most innovative Company in the Brazilian electricity sector by the Valor Inovação ranking of the Valor Econômico newspaper. It is a reference in Governance and Sustainability and has been on the B3 Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) for 15 consecutive years.
