EVIO and Molicel Partner to Develop Batteries for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

On May 21, 2026, Montreal-based aerospace Startups EVIO and Taiwanese battery Manufacturers Molicel announced a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to jointly develop next-generation, high-energy-density lithium-ion battery cells. According to the official press release, this partnership is specifically tailored to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace applications, marking a significant step forward in the development of hybrid-electric commercial aviation.

The collaboration will center on maturing the energy storage system for the EVIO 810, a clean-sheet, 76-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner currently under development. By combining EVIO’s aircraft architecture with Molicel’s established battery technology, the two companies aim to ensure the aircraft meets strict power, safety, and certification requirements.

For the aviation industry, Partnerships between aerospace original equipment OEMs and specialized battery makers are critical. As we track the sector’s push toward decarbonization, overcoming the historical bottlenecks of battery energy density and weight remains the primary hurdle for Electric-Aviation.

Maturing Energy Storage for the EVIO 810

The newly signed MOA establishes a structured technical pathway for both companies. According to the announcement, the joint engineering teams will focus on validating cell performance and integrating the energy storage requirements specific to the EVIO 810. Molicel’s high-power cell technology is being engineered to handle the intense, high-stress discharge and recharge cycles that hybrid-electric flight demands.

“We’re pleased to announce this agreement with Molicel, whose high-power lithium-ion cell expertise, applied in high-performance aerospace and aviation applications, aligns well with EVIO’s exacting safety and performance standards. This MOA gives us a structured path to generate the data we need to mature an aircraft-ready energy storage solution for the EVIO 810.”
, Michael Derman, CEO of EVIO

The “Strong Hybrid” Approach

To understand the technical requirements of this battery development, it is essential to look at the EVIO 810’s operational profile. The press release details that the aircraft utilizes a “strong hybrid” architecture. Unlike “mild hybrid” concepts that merely use electricity to supplement conventional engines, the EVIO 810 is designed as an all-electric aircraft first, relying on turbine engines strictly as a secondary booster for range extension.

The aircraft is engineered to perform takeoffs and landings entirely on battery power, a feature intended to significantly reduce noise and emissions for communities surrounding regional airports. It is optimized for all-electric operation on short missions, while utilizing its hybrid-electric power system for longer routes of up to 500 nautical miles. EVIO expects the first flight of a production-conforming prototype in 2029, with customer deliveries targeted for the early 2030s.

Industry Pedigree and Market Impact

Both companies bring substantial industry backing to the partnership. EVIO emerged from stealth mode in December 2025 following eight years of research and development. The Canadian startup has already garnered technical support and investment from major aerospace players, including Boeing, Boeing Canada, and RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada. Upon its public launch, EVIO announced it had secured conditional purchase agreements and options for 450 aircraft from two unnamed airlines.

Molicel, formally known as E-One Moli Energy Corp., brings over 40 years of experience in manufacturing ultra-high-power lithium-ion battery cells. The company achieved AS9100 aerospace-grade quality certification in December 2024 and is already a recognized supplier in the advanced air mobility sector, providing cells for eVTOL developers such as Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace, as well as electric aircraft startup Vaeridion.

“Molicel is proud to support EVIO in pushing the boundaries of regional aviation. Our high-power cell technology is specifically engineered to handle the intense discharge and recharge cycles required for hybrid-electric flight. By combining our cell expertise with EVIO’s innovative 810 architecture, we are ensuring that the next generation of regional aircraft meets the highest standards of power, safety, and mission reliability.”
, Casey Shiue, President of Molicel

AirPro News analysis

We view this partnership as a strong indicator of the growing momentum behind Regional Air Mobility (RAM). Over the past few decades, short-haul regional routes have seen dwindling airline services, largely driven by the high operating costs and fuel burn of traditional turbine aircraft. By targeting these specific operational inefficiencies, companies like EVIO are attempting to make thin, short-haul routes economically viable once again.

Furthermore, with the commercial aviation industry facing mounting international pressure to decarbonize, hybrid-electric regional airliners serve as a vital, near-term stepping stone toward net-zero emissions. This is especially true for regional routes where sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or hydrogen infrastructure are not yet economically or logistically feasible. Securing a reliable, aerospace-grade battery supply chain through partners like Molicel is a mandatory step for any OEM hoping to bring a hybrid-electric airframe to market in the next decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EVIO 810?

The EVIO 810 is a 76-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner currently in development by Montreal-based aerospace startup EVIO. It is designed to operate primarily on electric power, using turbine engines as a range extender for flights up to 500 nautical miles.

Who is Molicel?

Molicel (E-One Moli Energy Corp.) is a Taiwan-based manufacturer of ultra-high-power lithium-ion battery cells with over 40 years of industry experience. They hold AS9100 aerospace certification and supply batteries to several prominent electric aviation companies.

When will the EVIO 810 enter service?

According to EVIO’s development timeline, the first flight of a production-conforming prototype is expected in 2029, with initial customer deliveries targeted for the early 2030s.

Sources: EVIO and Molicel via Business Wire