Electric Cars

Navigating the Skies: The Unforeseen Challenges of Aerial Innovation

A Mid-Air Mishap: Two eVTOLs Crash During Rehearsal

During a preparatory session for an air demonstration in China, two aerial vehicles from XPeng AeroHT, the division of XPeng dedicated to electric vertical takeoff and landing technology, experienced a mid-air collision. This unfortunate event led to a subsequent crash and caused injuries.

XPeng AeroHT's Journey into Aerial Mobility

For those who track developments in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems, XPeng AeroHT is likely a familiar name. This sustainable air travel enterprise originated from XPeng Inc., and its founder, He Xiaopeng, has showcased some of the most innovative "flying car" technologies available today. Established in 2013, AeroHT gained prominence in 2021 with the unveiling of the X2, their fifth-generation "flying car." Despite lacking wheels, it was dubbed a "flying car" due to its design echoing that of the XPeng P7 EV sedan.

Technological Advancements and Demonstrations

A year after the X2's debut, XPeng AeroHT released test footage of a legitimate flying vehicle capable of vertical takeoff and propeller deployment. Since then, the aerial mobility division has introduced a more refined version of its electric vehicle/eVTOL hybrid, along with a robust 6x6 all-wheel drive vehicle known as the Land Aircraft Carrier, which houses a separate eVTOL in its rear compartment.

The Details of the Collision Incident

During a recent air show in China, XPeng AeroHT was conducting rehearsals for an upcoming public demonstration of its eVTOL technology. Accounts indicate that two of XPeng's aircraft collided, resulting in a crash. According to reports from CnEVPost, the eVTOL incident occurred on the afternoon of September 16 at the Changchun Airshow in Jilin, northeastern China, where XPeng AeroHT was practicing for a live flight display. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that two XPeng eVTOLs collided in the air, leading to a crash that hospitalized at least one individual, though fortunately, no injuries were life-threatening.

Company Response and Ongoing Investigation

XPeng AeroHT addressed CnEVPost's report, clarifying that the collision happened after the Changchun Air Show's pre-show rehearsal. Two eVTOLs were performing a dual-aircraft formation maneuver when they collided due to "insufficient separation distance." XPeng stated that one aircraft successfully landed, while the other suffered structural damage and ignited upon impact with the ground. All personnel present were confirmed safe, and emergency services swiftly completed on-site response procedures. XPeng AeroHT further noted that the precise cause of the accident remains under internal investigation.

Empowering the Grid: California's Vision for Bi-directional EV Charging

California's Pivotal Investment in Next-Gen EV Charging

The state of California has recently allocated a considerable sum of $1.1 million to 'it's electric,' an innovative EV charging firm based in Brooklyn. This funding is designated for the creation of what promises to be the world's inaugural curbside V2G electric vehicle charger. This significant grant is part of the California Energy Commission's forward-thinking 'Enabling Electric Vehicles as Distributed Energy Resources' program, which falls under the broader 'Electric Program Investment Charge' (EPIC) initiative.

Collaborative Innovation: Bringing V2G to Market by 2028

Working in close partnership with esteemed academic institutions, namely UC Berkeley and the University of Delaware, 'it's electric' has set an ambitious target to finalize and launch this groundbreaking technology for commercial use by the year 2028. This collaboration underscores a commitment to research and development, ensuring that the V2G solution is robust, efficient, and ready for widespread adoption, promising a transformative impact on urban energy landscapes.

Redefining EV Charging: Beyond Simple Power Consumption

Unlike conventional EV chargers that solely draw power from the electricity grid to recharge vehicles, this new V2G charger will possess the remarkable capability to operate bidirectionally. This means electric vehicles connected to these chargers will not only receive electricity but also be able to dispatch surplus energy back into the grid. This innovative feature, particularly in a curbside application where countless vehicles are routinely parked, represents a monumental leap in energy management and grid resilience.

Equitable Access and Emission Reduction Through Advanced Hardware

The aesthetic design of the new V2G hardware will mirror 'it's electric's' existing charging infrastructure. However, its true innovation lies in its ability to introduce bi-directional charging capabilities to urban streets, with a strong focus on underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. This strategic deployment is designed to ensure fair access to advanced V2G technology, thereby accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles and significantly contributing to California's overarching climate objectives by reducing emissions.

Pioneering Connectivity: The J3068 Active Cable's Role

A crucial component of this project involves the joint development of the J3068 Active Cable with the University of Delaware. This specialized cable ingeniously integrates the SAE-standard untethered charging format with Delaware's proprietary Active Cable Communication Module. This synergy facilitates seamless bi-directional charging while simultaneously linking crucial driver account information directly to the cable, establishing a highly reliable and universally compatible system across diverse charging environments.

Unlocking the Potential of Parked Vehicles for Grid Support

Nathan King, cofounder and CEO of 'it's electric,' highlighted the immense potential of this initiative, noting that California's city streets are routinely home to seven million parked light-duty vehicles. He emphasized that as these vehicles transition to electric, their integrated batteries offer an unparalleled opportunity to alleviate peak demand on often-overburdened electric utility service areas. King passionately advocated for all EV drivers to have equal opportunities to participate in demand-response and V2G programs, ensuring broad engagement and benefit.

Transforming Vehicles into Dynamic Power Sources

Commissioner Nancy Skinner lauded the project, emphasizing its potential to expand the utility of cars beyond mere transportation. She remarked that 'it's electric's' impressive undertaking will pioneer EV chargers that not only power vehicles but also enable them to supply energy to the grid. This demonstrates the profound economic and resilience advantages inherent in V2G technology, setting a new benchmark for vehicle functionality.

Scalable Solutions for Enhanced Grid Resilience and Driver Benefits

When implemented on a large scale, curbside V2G chargers could empower vehicles parked in urban settings to function as distributed energy resources, offering mutual benefits to both drivers and grid operators. By transforming electric vehicles into mobile battery units, this advanced technology promises to mitigate stress on the electrical grid and potentially avert the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, fostering a more resilient and efficient energy system.

Academic Leadership in Advancing Bi-directional Charging

Professor Scott Moura from UC Berkeley expressed his team's enthusiasm, stating their excitement to commence work on this project and their pride in hosting the deployment and testing of the world's first bi-directional curbside charger. Their involvement underscores the academic rigor and innovation driving this project.

Recognizing a Milestone in V2G Evolution

University of Delaware professor Willett Kempton, a distinguished pioneer in V2G technology, lauded the investment as a significant advancement. He commended the California Energy Commission for its commitment to this project, which he believes will significantly enhance the capacity of all communities to leverage the numerous benefits and opportunities presented by V2G technology, moving closer to a decentralized and responsive energy grid.