As Europe accelerates its own sustainable - aviation agenda, China’s “low - altitude economy” — the commercial use of airspace below 1,000 metres — is driving a parallel push toward electrified flight.
A new Zhejiang provincial key laboratory for aircraft electric propulsion systems has now been approved. Led by Wolong Electric Motors & Drives Group with Hangzhou Dianzi University and COMAC, it is the province’s first provincial-level key laboratory dedicated to electric propulsion in the low-altitude economy. The laboratory adopts an “enterprise-led, university-supported, OEM-coordinated” model, combining: • Wolong’s industrial capabilities in electric drive systems • Hangzhou Dianzi University’s research strength in electrical control • COMAC’s aircraft integration and airworthiness engineering experience
Its research will focus on three core technical areas: 1. High-reliability, fault-tolerant electric drive systems. 2. High-quality, lightweight electric drive systems 3. Integration and optimised operation of aircraft electric propulsion systems
These efforts will support programmes including COMAC’s new-energy fixed-wing aircraft and Geely’s Aerofugia eVTOL models, providing a technical foundation for localised production in China. For Wolong, this marks a significant milestone in its long-term electric aviation strategy. The company has already established an electric aviation R&D centre and a joint venture with Aerofugia to develop electric propulsion systems for aircraft ranging from 750 kg to 5,700 kg maximum takeoff weight. How do you see industry–academia partnerships accelerating the development of electric aviation?
