Hydrogen eVTOL Revolution Takes Flight with Horizon Aircraft and ZeroAvia Partnership

HYSKY Society
Jul 16
3 min read

Futuristic white evtol aircraft with multiple rotors labeled "Cavorite X7" and "ZeroAvia" flies over a city landscape. Hydrogen-powered.

In a landmark move toward zero-emission regional air mobility, Horizon Aircraft and ZeroAvia have joined forces to explore integrating ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain into Horizon’s innovative Cavorite X7 eVTOL platform.

https://zeroavia.com/horizon-aircraft-and-zeroavia-announce-plans-to-explore-hydrogen-evtol-propulsion/

This collaboration marks Horizon Aircraft’s first step toward deploying hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft in real-world operations. By pairing ZeroAvia’s proven fuel-cell technology with the Cavorite X7’s fan-in-wing design—featuring 14 lift fans that stow seamlessly for wing-borne flight—the two companies aim to unlock extended range, faster turnarounds, and truly sustainable regional service.

The partnership extends beyond propulsion hardware, encompassing joint research into infrastructure needs and certification pathways to ensure a viable zero-emission ecosystem. Horizon has already demonstrated untethered hover and transition flights with its large-scale prototype, backed by the U.S. Department of Defense and Canadian regulator approvals. ZeroAvia, fresh from its ZA600 test flights, brings regulatory traction and engineering maturity to the table.

Val Miftakhov in black jacket against a solid dark blue background, looking at the camera with a calm expression. No text visible.

“More and more eVTOL companies are looking to hydrogen-electric propulsion as the breakthrough that can extend range potential and durability of electric propulsion systems. Horizon Aircraft has developed an exciting application and performed successful prototype testing, and they are taking another leadership step in exploring hydrogen as a potential propulsion option for the Cavorite X7.”— Val Miftakhov, Founder & CEO, ZeroAvia

Brandon Robinson in a white shirt against a solid blue background, conveying a calm and confident mood. No visible text.

“We are a company that continues to focus on what is best for operators of our aircraft. We have been impressed with ZeroAvia’s recent flight demonstrations of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and the company’s traction with regulators. We are thankful for the opportunity to explore hydrogen solutions for the regional air mobility market which could develop into a viable solution to deliver clean, fast, and highly-efficient air travel.”— Brandon Robinson, CEO and Co-founder, Horizon Aircraft

For more information

zeroavia.com

(Top image: Credit — ZeroAvia)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydrogen-electric propulsion?
1. Hydrogen-electric propulsion uses fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering electric motors with zero in-flight emissions.
How does a fuel cell work?
1. A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical reaction, producing electricity, water vapor, and heat.
What is eVTOL?
1. eVTOL stands for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing—a class of aircraft that can hover, take off, and land vertically using electric power.
Why use hydrogen instead of batteries?
1. Hydrogen offers higher energy density than batteries, enabling longer flight ranges and faster refueling.
What is the ZA600 powertrain?
1. ZeroAvia’s ZA600 is a 600 kW hydrogen-electric powertrain designed for up to 20-seat aircraft, undergoing certification for commercial use.
What range can hydrogen eVTOLs achieve?
1. Early projections suggest regional hydrogen eVTOLs could fly 200–400 km per mission, depending on payload and design.
What infrastructure is needed for hydrogen aviation?
1. Infrastructure includes hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and refueling systems at airports and vertiports.
How much does hydrogen fuel cost compared to jet fuel?
1. Costs vary by region and production method, but green hydrogen is expected to become competitive as scale and renewable energy costs improve.
Are there safety concerns with hydrogen?
1. Modern storage systems use high-strength composite tanks and rigorous standards to ensure safe operation and handling.
What are the economic benefits of hydrogen aviation?
1. Operators can benefit from lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and potential incentives for zero-emission technologies.
When will hydrogen eVTOLs be certified?
1. Certification timelines depend on regulatory progress, with pilot programs targeted in the late 2020s.
How does hydrogen production impact sustainability?
1. Green hydrogen—produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity—minimizes lifecycle emissions, aligning with decarbonization goals.

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