AAM infrastructure developer UrbanV has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy-based electric mobility charging technology company Enel X Way to study energy solutions for its vertiports, which will allow eVTOLs to be recharged in a sustainable manner. Projects will focus on the study and implementation of Enel X Way electricity infrastructure integrated with storage systems in vertiports, dedicated eVTOL hubs, the definition of specific use cases and a customer experience to be adapted to the needs of different markets.

“With this agreement, we are launching a collaboration with a leading international partner, to work together to find innovative, sustainable and truly effective solutions in this new mobility ecosystem," says Urban V CEO Carlo Tursi. "UrbanV is establishing itself as one of the leading global companies in the advanced air mobility sector, working to position Rome as one of the first cities in the world able to offer direct connections by electric aircraft. We are already working on vertiport networks in other regions in Europe; Venice, Bologna and the French Riviera, and around the world, to accelerate the transition to mobility that helps not only to reduce CO2 emissions but also noise pollution.”

"With the signing of this memorandum of understanding, we become the first company in Italy to provide recharging solutions to the world of vertical take off electric aviation, reaching a very important milestone after that of electric boating, which allows us to explore a new field for the development of sustainable mobility," says Enel X Way head of innovation and sustainability Lorenzo Rambaldi. "Advanced air mobility is a highly innovative and rapidly expanding sector, both in Italy and globally, and supporting its growth is an opportunity for Enel X Way to strengthen its commitment to the development of advanced charging technologies to power different types of electric vehicles.”

The agreement will enable the realisation of fast, completely green, large-scale public transport and will lead to the implementation of Enel X Way's recharging infrastructure in UrbanV's vertiports on a global scale, starting with Rome and Fiumicino airport. eVTOL aircraft use only electricity; the electric motors and batteries are a winning way to respond to the growing attention and demand for this sector of electric mobility globally, both for their sustainability and practicality of travel, and as an alternative to road vehicles. Compared to helicopters, eVTOLs have a 35 per cent lower operating cost according to industry estimates and could become an economical and sustainable alternative to road transport, especially in busy cities. This reality is already catching on in Italy, where UrbanV recently inaugurated the first test vertiport at Rome's Fiumicino airport, enabling the first flight of a piloted eVTOL.