Vertical Aerospace adopts a universal fast-charging standard

To boost eVTOL Integration

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company developing electric aviation, has adopted the Combined Charging System (CCS) for its VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This decision aims to expedite the commercial rollout of electric aviation.

The Bristol-headquartered company joins fellow eVTOL manufacturers BETA Technologies and Archer Aviation in standardising fast-charging solutions for the next generation of urban air mobility.

This strategic alignment indicates an increasing consensus within the industry regarding the necessity for interoperable infrastructure to facilitate scalable electric flight. The CCS protocol, commonly utilised in electric road vehicles, provides rapid charging capabilities and ensures compatibility with an extensive charging station network. Its adoption by leading eVTOL companies lays the groundwork for a cohesive global framework supporting electric aircraft operations.

By choosing CCS, Vertical Aerospace aims to simplify and streamline operations for operators and airports, reducing infrastructure costs and increasing charging efficiency. The decision allows the VX4 to integrate seamlessly with any CCS-compliant charging station, including those within BETA Technologies’ expanding charging network.

Practical approach

CCS integration is anticipated to enable quick turnaround for eVTOL aircraft, especially in shuttle and short-haul scenarios that require frequent operations, fast battery recharging, and effective thermal management. Vertical Aerospace has acquired two of BETA’s chargers to assess the system’s performance in its operational context.

Vertical Aerospace’s initiative closely aligns with recommendations from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), which recently published a paper titled “Interoperability of Electric Charging Infrastructure.” The document underscores the need for consistent standards to enable commercial scalability and reliability within the emerging electric aviation sector.

Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson said the move represents a critical step in shaping a practical and commercially viable future for eVTOLs. “With certification efforts underway with five aviation authorities and customers across four continents, Vertical, together with BETA and Archer, choosing this standard means the industry has decided,” Simpson said.

Standardising charging infrastructure is crucial in making electric aviation commercially viable. Adopting the CCS ensures the VX4 can integrate seamlessly into a shared charging network. This is excellent news for our customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering a scalable eVTOL ecosystem.”

BETA Technologies’ Charge Production Lead, Chip Palombini, stated that robust charging solutions are vital to unlocking the potential of electric aviation. “The true unlock of the next generation of aviation won’t come just from novel aircraft, it’s about a robust interoperable charging infrastructure that can support all manufacturers,” Palombini said.

“We are building a foundation that will allow eVTOLs to operate and scale safely, reliably and efficiently across the globe, and Vertical Aerospace shares that vision.”

David Dunning, Director of Global Innovation & Policy at GAMA, underscored the broader industry benefits of a shared charging ecosystem. “A unified charging standard is important as it would assist in reducing costs, streamlining operations and accelerating adoption of electric aircraft, which benefits manufacturers, operators, infrastructure providers and passengers alike,” Dunning said.

The VX4

The VX4, Vertical Aerospace’s flagship aircraft, is designed to transport four passengers and a pilot, offering a zero-emission and noiseless flight experience. This eVTOL aircraft incorporates unique battery and propeller technologies and is developing alongside world-renowned aerospace partners such as Honeywell, GKN, and Leonardo.

Vertical’s collaborative model and focus on certification across multiple jurisdictions reflect its ambition to become a leader in electric aviation. The company has secured approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the VX4, with customers spanning the United States, Japan, Brazil and the UK.

Notable buyers include American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow Group. Some customer agreements are expected to be executed through third-party arrangements, further reinforcing the company’s commercial momentum.

Vertical’s headquarters in Bristol position it at the heart of the UK’s aerospace sector, enabling access to a highly skilled talent pool and a robust supply chain. Its leadership team brings extensive experience from aerospace and automotive giants such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, General Motors and Leonardo, having collectively worked on the certification of more than 30 civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

The company’s endorsement of CCS mirrors growing momentum within the aviation industry towards harmonised technology standards. As the sector races to decarbonise and improve urban mobility, a reliable and interoperable charging network is becoming as critical as the aircraft.

With regulatory backing and broad industry adoption, CCS is increasingly considered the frontrunner in electric aviation charging protocols. Vertical Aerospace’s decision to align with this standard highlights its long-term vision for sustainable air travel and its role in shaping the infrastructure needed to support widespread eVTOL deployment.

As more manufacturers, operators and regulators converge on unified systems, the pace of innovation in electric aviation is expected to quicken. For industry stakeholders and end-users alike, the arrival of a common charging standard represents a crucial leap toward making zero-emission urban air transport a daily reality.

Image: Vertical Aerospace’s flagship aircraft, the VX4, can transport four passengers and a pilot and provides a zero-emission and noiseless flight experience. Credit: Vertical Aerospace