A technology demonstrator of the Eviation Alice–widely tipped to be the first all-electric commercial aircraft to get to market–made its maiden flight in the USA earlier this week.
The Eviation Alice is an FAR23 twin powered by two magniX magni650 electric motors putting out 700 kW (940 hp) each, with a range of 250 nm and a max speed of 260 KTAS. The aircraft has been designed for zero carbon emissions.
The first flight, made out of Moses Lake in Washington on Tuesday, lasted for eight minutes and reached 3500 feet.
"Today we embark on the next era of aviation – we have successfully electrified the skies with the unforgettable first flight of Alice,” said Eviation President and CEO Gregory Davis.
“People now know what affordable, clean and sustainable aviation looks and sounds like for thefirst time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead innovation in sustainable air travel, and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future.”
The Alice will be offered in commuter, executive and cargo versions, which has already attracted customers to the order book.
Cape Air and Global Crossing Airlines, both US-based regional airlines, have placed orders for 75 and 50 Alice aircraft respectively. DHL Express has ordered of 12 Alice eCargo planes.
“The first flight of Alice represents a transformational milestone for the aviation industry,” said Cape Air Founder and Board Chairman Dan Wolf. “We currently fly more than 400 regional flights per day, connecting more than 30 cities across the United States and Caribbean.
"Alice can easily cover 80% of our flight operations, bringing sustainable, emission-free travel to the communities we serve.”
Geoff Kehr, Senior Vice President, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express, described the Alice as a game-changer.
"The first flight of Alice confirms our belief that the era of sustainable aviation is here,” he said “With our order of 12 Alice e-cargo planes, we are investing towards our overall goal of zero-emissions logistics.
"DHL is the industry leader by introducing new and more sustainable cargo aircraft types to the global market. Alice is the true game-changer by enabling long distance air transport for the first time with zero emissions.
"This historic flight marks a significant milestone on our journey to ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050."
Eviation says the Alice produces no carbon emissions, significantly reduces noise and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or turbo-props.