An electric-aircraft-powertrain start-up, co-founded by alumnus Tobias Kahnert, is pushing the boundaries of innovation to develop and manufacture batteries and charging solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – identified as a new niche market for the company.
Now we are in a position to become a true supplier of batteries and chargers, including batteries optimised for super high-energy densities to allow as much flight time as possible.
Tobias Kahnert (CEO)
EFT Mobility – formerly known as Electric Flytrain (founded in 2019) – has widened its existing aviation focus (developing tailor-made (hybrid)-electric powertrain solutions for aircraft manufacturers) to recognise the potential of its technology in delivering cutting-edge, scalable solutions for UAVs, or drones as they are commonly known – boosting flight time in the process.
Other markets of future interest for the company include utility vehicles such as electric-powered street cleaners and construction machines; electric motorcycles; and battery solutions for robotics.
The Munich-based company, whose mission is to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility, recently announced a partnership with Quantum Systems, working on the design and build of an entire family of batteries and charging solutions for all of Quantum Systems’ UAV platforms. Quantum Systems specialises in the development, design and production of advanced multi-sensor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for aerial intelligence.
Credit: EFT Mobility
Tobias studied the MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development at Cambridge in 2018-19 and has a background in software development engineering for electric vehicles. In 2024, under his leadership as CEO, EFT Mobility doubled the size of its team, with plans for future growth, and a developing customer base in Europe and North America.
“Now we are in a position as a company to become a true supplier of batteries and chargers, including batteries optimised for super high-energy densities to allow as much flight time as possible,” said Tobias.
“This strategic investment by Quantum Systems into EFT Mobility means that we can drive the entire UAV and mobility industry forward. All the battery and charging components are built with modular, interchangeable parts, allowing for customised solutions tailored to specific customer needs, strengthening the supply chain in the process.”
“The result will be high-performing batteries, chargers, and power distribution systems, compliant with all required regulations and manufacturable at scale,” he added.
Adapted from a EFT Mobility press release and Quantum Systems press release.
