Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Hitachi Energy and Eve Air Mobility are working together to develop electric charging infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft, such as the Eve 100 model being developed by the Embraer subsidiary. Under a partnership announced on Friday, Hitachi will adapt its Grid-eMotion technology—already in use with buses and trucks—to support electric aircraft.
According to Marco Berardi, head of grid and power quality solutions at Hitachi, engineers at both companies will explore the potential for both rapid and ultra-fast charging options. The equipment uses the Combined Charging System global standard that is already compatible with many vehicles and most eVTOL aircraft in development.
Berardi told AIN the partners are initially prioritizing provision of charging infrastructure in Brazil and the U.S., which they expect to be early adopters of eVTOL air taxis. They did not say when the first vertiports will be equipped with chargers, with Eve aiming to certify its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-06-16/eve-100-set-make-low-speed-transition-flight-within-weeks">four-passenger model</a> by the end of 2028.
“Within these markets, the focus is on dense urban environments, including connections between financial centers and major transport hubs where electrified air mobility can deliver immediate value,” he commented. “Hitachi Energy’s role is to ensure these locations are supported by the necessary power systems, enabling reliable grid integration and scalable charging infrastructure as deployments move forward.”
Hitachi Energy will focus on electrification and grid integration as part of the infrastructure set up process. The company, which is based in Switzerland, said that charging operations could be commercialized under various business models.
“Our Grid-eMotion charging infrastructure is compact and keeps the vertiport area free from charging equipment and other electrical infrastructure,” Berardi said. “This helps maximise operational space and provides the safety conditions required for aircraft takeoffs and landings.”

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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