Pipistrel Vertical Solutions has concluded the development of a novel, powerful and safe battery system for the MAHEPA ICE-Hybrid powertrain. Capable of providing a peak power of 300 kW, the battery system has been successfully integrated into the aircraft wings and is now ready for final testing.
A major safety issue with propulsion batteries in aircraft is the possibility of a battery pack thermal runaway. As opposed to a thermal runaway of a battery in automotive applications, where the occupants have sufficient time to stop and exit the vehicle, the pilots/passengers in aircraft have no such options. In MAHEPA, Pipistrel Vertical Solutions developed a special system to prevent this, therefore enhancing the safety of the future aviation.