VoltAero Debuts Hybrid Propulsion Aimed at Kit Market

VoltAero has announced the launch of its new HPU 210 hybrid-electric powertrain, designed to bring hybrid propulsion to the Experimental aircraft market. Debuting this week at France Air Expo in Lyon, the system pairs a high-performance Kawasaki thermal engine with a 60-kW electric motor for what the company calls “push-to-climb” capability—a claimed 40% power boost when needed for takeoff or obstacle clearance.

The concept draws on VoltAero’s experience with its Cassio line of regional aircraft, currently in pre-production. CEO and CTO Jean Botti said the hybrid architecture has already been proven in the Cassio S flying testbed, which has logged more than 185 hours across 15,000 miles. “With the HPU 210, a new category of airplanes will benefit from our patented hybrid propulsion,” Botti said.

At the heart of the new powertrain is Kawasaki’s H2SX engine—a supercharged, four-cylinder unit originally designed for high-performance motorcycles—delivering 150 kW (201 HP). The electric motor adds another 60 kW during periods of high demand. Power is controlled through a single throttle, with the thermal engine handling up to 70% of output and the electric motor supplying additional boost.

The hybrid system supports multiple fuel types—AVGAS, unleaded auto fuel, or E85 biofuel—offering operators flexibility in both cost and emissions. VoltAero claims cruise fuel consumption as low as 10 gallons per hour and a TBO of 1,500 hours.

Despite these promising specs, one key component was notably absent from the public debut: the battery itself. Details on its size, weight, and install footprint have not been disclosed. Given that energy density remains the Achilles’ heel of current electric aircraft designs, this omission leaves us questioning the real-world viability for light aircraft.

Still, VoltAero’s push into this segment shows promise—especially if the company expands its focus to include the drone market. Unmanned platforms could offer a lucrative proving ground, generating flight hours and operational data far faster than kit or experimental builds. That experience could later be translated back into the homebuilt world.

Production of the HPU 210 is slated to begin in late 2026 at VoltAero’s Rochefort facility in France. The complete kit will include the thermal engine, electric motor, gearbox, and electronic control unit.

For now, the hybrid future looks bright—but buyers should watch closely for more information on the missing piece of the equation: the battery.

More information: voltaero.aero