Hirth Engines and ePropelled collaborate to advance hybrid propulsion systems

Above: The ePropelled iPS6000 Hercules Series high-performance UAV power system, converting three-phase AC to regulated DC.
Courtesy ePropelled

Driven by increasing demand for reliable, lightweight, and energy efficient propulsion systems, the partnership brings together Hirth’s decades long expertise in advanced combustion engines with ePropelled’s pioneering electric propulsion and power management technologies. Together, the companies will develop integrated hybrid systems designed to offer high performance, extended mission endurance and greater operational flexibility.

Under this collaboration, Hirth Engines will complement its proven line of high performance two stroke engines with ePropelled’s intelligent power systems, starter generators and electronic engine starters. The resulting hybrid solutions are expected to provide:

• Significant fuel efficiency gains
• Extended flight duration and payload capacity
• Lower lifecycle operating costs
• Enhanced reliability and redundancy for mission critical applications
• Improved sustainability, meeting emerging regulatory and environmental standards

By merging mechanical power with advanced electric power generation, the new hybrid systems will serve customers who require superior power to weight ratios, long operational endurance and dependable performance in challenging environments.

Bruno Gerard König, CEO of Hirth Engines, stated: “This partnership elevates what our engines can achieve and opens new opportunities in fast growing sectors such as UAVs and advanced air mobility. ePropelled’s technology perfectly complements Hirth’s heritage of engineering excellence.”

Nick Grewal, CEO & Founder of ePropelled, commented: “Combining our intelligent electric power generation systems with Hirth’s world class engines allows us to deliver hybrid solutions that set a new benchmark for performance and efficiency. This collaboration accelerates the future of hybrid propulsion.”

The partnership will focus on applications including:

• UAVs and uncrewed systems
• Advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms
• Defence and surveillance missions
• Industrial and commercial aerial applications
• Lightweight hybrid ground vehicles

Research, development, and system integration work have already begun, with prototype demonstrations expected in upcoming project cycles and available to view at UMEX in Abu Dhabi in January 2026.