EVIO has announced a partnership with Molicel to develop high-energy-density lithium-ion cells for hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
The Montreal-based EVIO signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Taiwanese cell maker on April 29, 2026. The collaboration focuses on next-generation batteries for the EVIO 810, a 76-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner.
EVIO already holds conditional purchase agreements and options for 450 aircraft from two major airlines. The EVIO 810 uses a strong-hybrid architecture that supports all-electric short missions and hybrid-electric power on longer routes.
Cell performance testing started earlier in 2026. Energy Storage System-level data collection is planned for the second half of 2026 to support Part 25 certification requirements.
“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,” said Michael Derman, CEO of EVIO.
Casey Shiue, president of Molicel, stated that the company is proud to support EVIO in pushing the boundaries of regional aviation. Molicel’s high-power cell technology is engineered to manage the intense discharge and recharge cycles required for hybrid-electric flight.
The public announcement occurred on May 21, 2026. The partnership supplies critical battery data needed to advance the EVIO 810 program toward certification milestones.
EVIO brings aircraft integration expertise while Molicel contributes specialized high-power cell designs. The resulting energy storage systems must meet strict safety and performance standards for commercial operations.
