Bosch General Aviation Technology is backing Vaeridion’s plans to bring a nine-passenger, all-electric Microliner airplane to market by 2030. The offshoot from the German automotive group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Munich-based start-up on Wednesday at Aero Friedrichshafen and will help with the electric drive technology.

The Microliner is intended for scheduled regional air services and business aviation missions of up to around 400 kilometers (217 nm). Vaeridion plans to certify the aircraft in Europe in the next four years and aims for global markets, including North America, by the early 2030s.

Notably, the design incorporates a modular battery system in the wings, which Vaeridion said will be easy to maintain and also readily upgraded when improved battery performance is available. The long wing will be made from carbon fiber, which is intended to enhance glide ratio and energy efficiency.

“We have our first generation of battery modules in production and testing right now,” said Vaeridion CEO Ivor van Dartel. “They are not ready for flight yet, but by the time we will be flying—2027—and then for certification, I would say 400 kilometers minimum because other industries are propelling the development of battery technology” and capacities are advancing over time.

Bosch’s capabilities in testing and development of electric drive technology will complement the small team already working on the airplane. Its aviation division is EASA Part 21 certified and involved in developing electric drive technology. The new collaboration will be housed near Munich to leverage Bosch’s expertise and testing facilities to accelerate the development of a novel propulsion system with dual electric motors that offer redundancy for its single propeller.  

In July 2024, Vaeridion announced a partnership with GKN Aerospace, which is developing the electrical wiring system for the Microliner. 

Reduced Operating Costs Promised

The aircraft features a dual flight deck but will be designed to be optionally operated by a single pilot, while the cabin could be configured for more spacious business-class seating. Vaeridion is aiming to simultaneously reduce flying costs and emissions, while opening up routes and accessibility, especially to smaller communities that currently don't have scheduled flights.. 

According to van Dartle, the Microliner's projected range would allow operators to fly to alternate airports under instrument flight rules with a 5% reserve. The aircraft will be pressurized and have a ceiling of about 20,000 feet, although the ideal altitude for missions will be at about 8,000 ft in spite of increased turbulence.

Unlike with combustion engines that burn more efficiently at higher altitudes, van Dartel explained that when climbing with the Microliner, “there is a penalty on the range, because the electric propulsion system has the same efficiency regardless of the altitude, and you use more energy in the climb.”

Vaeridion said the Microliner will target operators offering ticket prices on a par with current regional airline rates, but with the appeal of getting travelers closer to their destinations. The company has also reached partnership agreements with business aviation operators in Europe, including Aero-Dienst which flies for the medical emergency insurance group ADAC, and aircraft management and charter group ASL.

“Germany is also the country of the hidden champions, right?” said van Dartel, referring to ambitious midsize companies. "So you have, somewhere in a medium-sized town, a company that makes the best pressure valve sealants in the world, like something you never knew existed, and it's very precise. And they do business with everybody. And then maybe they have a plant in the east and a design office in the west. And then they purchased another company in the Czech Republic, and executives travel extensively by car for work. The Microliner would help fill this travel niche, reducing travel time, emissions, and outlay simultaneously.”