Hitachi Energy signs deal to develop electrical infrastructure for Eve's 'flying car'

SAO PAULO, July 17 (Reuters) - Hitachi Energy and Eve (EVEX.N), opens new tab have formed a partnership ​to jointly develop the power infrastructure ‌needed for Eve's "flying car," or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, the companies said on ​Friday.

• Under the memorandum of understanding, Eve ​and the energy unit of Japanese conglomerate ⁠Hitachi (6501.T), opens new tab will work together on the ​charging apparatus for the aircraft.
• This is the ​first partnership that Eve, which is controlled by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer (EMBJ3.SA), opens new tab, has signed for charging infrastructure ​for its aircraft.
• "The power has to ​be there from day one. Otherwise, we can't ‌fly; ⁠we can't take off," Luiz Mauad, Eve's vice president of customer services, told reporters at the event announcing the deal.
• Hitachi Energy ​will adapt ​its ⁠technology for electric vehicle fleet charging to meet the specific requirements ​of eVTOLs, said Glauco Freitas, ​the ⁠firm's Brazil head.
• Eve's aircraft are currently undergoing flight testing, with certification expected in 2028; ⁠the ​firm has already attracted 2,700 ​pre-orders worldwide.