Eviation Aircraft, a Seattle-based manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, has successfully completed the first flight of its zero-emission Alice aircraft, the world’s first all-electric commuter aircraft. This is another major milestone toward zero-emissions medium-range air travel.
The electric aircraft lifted off from Grant County International Airport (MWH), flying for 8 minutes at an altitude of 3,500 feet before coming in and touching down. This trailblazing flight of the technology demonstrator provided Eviation with invaluable data to further optimize the aircraft for commercial production.
“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 the first time in a fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft. This ground-breaking milestone will lead to innovation in sustainable air travel and shape both passenger and cargo travel in the future.”
Alice is available in three variants, including a nine-passenger commuter, an elegant and sophisticated six-passenger executive cabin, and an eCargo version. The Alice is equipped with two magniX magni650 electric motors, each with an output of 850 hp (630 kW) at an MTOW (max takeoff weight) of 7,485 kg and a payload of 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) for the passenger version and 2,600 lbs (1,179 kg) for eCargo version. This luxury machine has a maximum cruise speed of 407 km/h (253 mph) and a flight range of 815 km (506 miles).
Eviation Alice produces no carbon emissions, significantly reduces noise, and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops.
The company plans to achieve certification by 2024. Cape Air and Global Crossing Airlines, both US-based regional airlines, have already placed orders for 75 and 50 Alice aircraft, respectively. DHL Express is Eviation’s first cargo customer, with an order of 12 Alice eCargo planes.
