Sustainability is an increasing concern – not only in our day-to-day, but in every area of our lives, including travel. Since 2015, Eviation has been addressing the question of how aviation could become more environmentally friendly. Founded by two Israelis, Omer Bar-Yohay and Aviv Tzidon, Eviation now has more than 100 employees and is based in Washington State. At the 2019 Paris Air Show, they presented Eviation Alice, their first electric airplane – in its entire size and fully functional.

Electrically powered aircraft are no longer a distant dream – they'll be ready for takeoff soon. The advantages are obvious. © Eviation

Battery powered future

"At Eviation, we aim to expand human capabilities by changing the way we think about taking flight. With electric flight, we're taking a step towards the future of air travel and transport. It will transform our society," said Gregory Davis, president and interim CEO of Eviation. This is made possible by two electric propulsion units from the company magniX, batteries with high energy density, mission-oriented energy management and the innovative design of "Alice." The latter is completely designed for electric flight.

The Economy Class commuter version is fit for nine passengers and two crew members. © Eviation

Alice can cover 440 nautical miles on one battery charge – the equivalent of around 814 kilometers. Alice can reach a top speed of 460 km/h – and does so quietly. There are zero emissions. In the future, Alice will be used primarily for short-haul and commuter flights. The Commuter configuration seats nine passengers and two pilots, while the Executive version offers more personal space and a more luxurious interior. Alice is also available as a cargo aircraft.

The future is ready for takeoff

Electric flights are possible at a fraction of normal airfares. This is made possible by lower maintenance and repair costs. In addition, there is no need to refuel with fossil fuels. In addition, Alice's visual has people excited – the aircraft is way ahead in terms of aesthetics. In April of this year, the company passed another milestone.

A bird's eye view of Alice: comfortable, fast and supposedly better than traditional commuter flights in every way. © Eviation

Cape Air, one of the largest commuter airlines in the USA, signed a preliminary contract for the purchase of 75 Alice aircraft. The airline plans to use them to operate its more than 400 daily regional flights. Cape Air flies to nearly 40 cities. "Our customers will be at the forefront of aviation history and our communities will benefit from zero-emission travel," enthuses Cape Air President and CEO Linda Markham. Eviation plans to complete test flights in the summer of 2022, with certification expected in 2024.