SAE AS6968 — eVTOL Charging Standard is SAE International’s emerging standard for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft charging infrastructure, covering connector design, communication protocols, and safety requirements. It is directly relevant at the battery pack level because it defines the charge interface and associated pack-side requirements.
Scope
AS6968 addresses the ground-to-aircraft charging interface for eVTOL aircraft operating in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) environments. Unlike road vehicle charging standards (SAE J1772, SAE J3400), it must address aviation-specific constraints including rapid turnaround charging, aircraft weight limitations on connectors, plug-in vs automated connection, and airworthiness certification of the charge interface.
Battery system relevance
- Defines maximum charge power levels and voltage/current envelopes at the pack interface
- Specifies communication protocol between ground supply equipment (GSE) and the aircraft BMS
- Sets safety interlock requirements for energisation and connection state verification
- Addresses thermal state preconditions for fast charging (relevant to battery thermal management system)
- Specifies connector mechanical and environmental qualification requirements for aviation service
Relationship to other standards
AS6968 works alongside RTCA DO-311A (minimum performance standards for the aircraft battery) and FAA AC 20-184A (installation guidance) to define the full lifecycle of an eVTOL battery from airworthiness qualification through ground charging operations. ASTM F3653 governs the physical installation of the battery on the aircraft, while AS6968 governs the external charge interface.
References
SAE International, AS6968: Connection Set of Conductive Charging for Light Electric Aircraft (standard status: work in progress).
See also: ATI Aircraft Battery Requirements 2026