Israeli Startup Unveils World's First Electric Passenger Airplane

An electric-powered airplane christened “Alice,” capable of carrying nine passengers with a 650 miles range and having cruising speed of 276 mph has been unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2019 by its developer, Israeli firm, Eviation.

“Operating at a fraction of the costs of conventional jetliners, our Alice will redefine how people travel regionally and usher in a new era of flying that is quieter, cleaner and cost effective,” Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay said. 

The nearly $4 million aircraft meant for short haul commuter flights designed to combat high carbon emissions of conventional planes is currently undergoing flight tests, and is in line to receive certification by 2021.

Eviation has signed a contract with MagniX to develop and manufacture engines for the Alice aircraft. According to MagniX,  the 375-horsepower magni250 system is one of the propulsion options available for the zero-emission commuter plane. The other motor supplier is Siemens; both companies’ motors would draw power from a 900 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Magni250 can perform as a standalone propulsion system or as a part of a system of electric aircraft. It is equipped with an integrated liquid cooling system to enable it to perform in a wide range of environmental conditions.