Ampaire has completed ground tests with its hybrid-electric propulsion system running on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Dimensional Energy produced the ASTM D7566 fuel using a process involving electricity and carbon dioxide.

According to Ampaire, running its AMP-H570 AMP Drive powertrain on 100 percent SAF will act as a force multiplier in decarbonizing flights while offering the superior payload and range of a hybrid-electric system, as opposed to a battery-electric propulsion system. Both companies have received investments from Elemental Excelerator, and this connection led to the use of Dimensional Energy’s e-fuels with Ampaire’s technology in a move they say doubles the efficiency of SAF. The companies said the test results exceeded their expectations.

Los Angeles-based Ampaire conducted the ground testing with its Eco Caravan hybrid-electric aircraft. The company said its propulsion system will deliver a 50 to 70 percent reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared with current Pratt & Whitney engines that power the Cessna Caravan aircraft it is now working to convert to hybrid-electric power.

Houston-based Dimensional Energy was founded in 2016 to exploit technology with the potential to decarbonize while adding value in new ways. Among these is developing e-fuels sourced from renewable resources.

“By combining Dimensional Energy e-fuels with Ampaire’s aircraft technology that can reduce the amount of fuels combusted during flight, we quicken the pace up the steep curve of energy transition and reduce the need for [carbon] extraction faster,” said Dimensional Energy CEO Jason Salfi.