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

General Motors has declined to elaborate on ambitions&nbsp;it appears to have to be a power source provider for eVTOL aircraft. Following comments this week by GM chief executive Mary Barra in which she hinted at plans to offer the U.S. group's new Ultium batteries to the aviation industry, a company spokesman declined to provide further details, beyond acknowledging that the company is evaluating the sector.
Speaking at the RBC Capital Markets conference on September 14, Barra commented: "We believe strongly in our EV [electric vehicle] future and not just for vehicles. The strength and flexibility of our Ultium battery system opens doors for many uses including aerial mobility."
GM unveiled the new Ultium range of batteries on March 4. These offer power ratings ranging between 50 and 200 kWh.
Generally speaking, U.S. automakers have been slow to declare plans to join the race to bring electric aircraft to market, by contrast with several Asia-based rivals. In January 2020, South Korea's Hyundai Motor announced that it has established an air mobility division to develop an eVTOL aircraft and at the same time was selected as a partner for Uber's planned Uber Air network. In the same month, Japan's Toyota led a $590 million fundraising round for U.S.&nbsp;eVTOL developer Joby Aviation, with a $394 million investment.
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Charles Alcock

General Motors introduced its Ultima range of electric batteries in March 2020 and on September 14 chief executives Mary Barra indicated the company may offer them to eVTOL aircraft developers. [Photo: GM]

General Motors Hints at Offering Ultium Batteries for eVTOL Aircraft

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