H55’s core product is the Electric Storage System (ESS) which includes battery packs, battery management systems, and all interfaces with the EPS. PHOTO courtesy H55.
The Government of Canada is providing $10,000,000 in financial assistance to support Swiss aerospace company H55’s opening in Montreal.
The Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) support, granted under the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), will enable the global leader in electric propulsion for aircraft to make Greater Montréal its North American platform for developing and manufacturing its products.
Established in Switzerland in 2017, H55 is a spin–off of the Solar Impulse project, the first airplane to fly around the world without fuel or pollution in 2015–2016. CED’s assistance will support the launch of the company’s manufacturing activities, whereby a facility is being secured and battery pack production will begin in 2024. CED’s contribution will also enable H55 to pursue its research and development efforts, customizing its solutions to the needs of its Canadian customers, Pratt & Whitney, CAE and Harbour Air, with whom it has signed partnership agreements.
“Having CED as a partner is an important validation of our experience coming from a major global aerospace cluster. Being present in Canada is a first step in building out our North American presence. There is a strategic fit with Canada, given the country’s leading competitive position in the aviation sector and its commitment to sustainable aviation. CED’s commitment in supporting H55 illustrates a shared vision in making air transportation quiet, clean, and affordable. All the prerequisites for a successful partnership are in place,” says André Borschberg, H55’s Co–Founder and Executive Chairman.
Aerospace is one of the most research–intensive and export–focused Canadian manufacturing industries, employing over 230,000 highly qualified people across the country.