Eviation Alice#cite note-3

File:Eviation Alice, Paris Air Show 2019, Le Bourget (SIAE8856).jpg featured a single pusher propeller and twin wingtip motors, a V-tail, and a taildragger landing gear]]

Eviation was founded in 2015 by Omer Bar-Yohay, Omri Regev and Aviv Tzidon.{{cite news |url= https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-clermont-buys-israeli-electric-aircraft-co-eviation-1001299284|title= Clermont buys Israeli electric aircraft co Eviation|date=3 September 2019|author-first=Simon |author-last=Griver |newspaper=Globes}} Risk-sharing partnerships have enabled work to go ahead.

In February 2018, a {{cvt|650|lb}} scale model UAV was flown to validate the aerodynamics and flight controls. Kokam was selected to supply pouch lithium polymer batteries to power the full-scale prototype. Work on the power system and drive train was begun.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/future-aerospace/batteries-ready-power-electric-regional-aircraft-says-eviation |title= Batteries Ready To Power Electric Regional Aircraft, Says Eviation |date= 26 February 2018 |author-first= Graham |author-last=Warwick |magazine= Aviation Week & Space Technology |url-access=subscription |issn=0005-2175}}{{cite news|url = https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Eviation-Chooses-Battery-Supplier-230400-1.html|title = Eviation Chooses Battery Supplier|last = Grady|first = Mary|work = AVweb|date = 6 March 2018|archive-date = 18 September 2023|access-date = 7 March 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230918074041/https://www.avweb.com/news/eviation-chooses-battery-supplier/|url-status = dead}}

Eviation teamed up with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to launch a research and development program in the spring of 2019 at its Prescott, Arizona campus. The program would focus on performance analysis, validation and testing, along with preliminary design and sub-scale testing of future electric propulsion and airframe design concepts.{{cite news |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-12-28/eviation-erau-join-forces-electric-aircraft |title=Eviation, ERAU Join Forces on Electric Aircraft |editor-first=Kerry |editor-last=Lynch |author-first=Chad |author-last=Trautvetter |date=28 December 2018 |work=Aviation International News}}

By early 2019, Eviation had secured $200 million of investment to cover certification and production while the first prototype was assembled in Vannes, northwest France.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eviation-secures-funding-for-all-electric-alice-454830/ |title= Eviation secures funding for all-electric Alice |date= 8 January 2019 |author-first= Kate |author-last=Sarsfield |work= FlightGlobal}} In April 2019, Eviation selected MagniX Magni250s 375 shp (280 kW) electric motors turning at 1,900 rpm as an alternative power option to Siemens 260 kW motors.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/magnix-to-supply-eviation-alice-motors-as-all-electr-457593/ |title= MagniX to supply Eviation Alice motors as all-electric advances |date= 22 April 2019 |author-first= Jon |author-last=Hemmerdinger |work= FlightGlobal}}

At the June 2019 Paris Air Show, a full-size static Alice was exhibited.{{cite news |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/eviation-unveils-electric-airplane-plans-flight-tests-central-washington-state/|title=Eviation unveils electric airplane and plans flight tests in central Washington state|work=Geek Wire|date= 18 June 2019 |author-first=Alan |author-last=Boyle |author-link=Alan Boyle}}

The first airline customer was announced: Hyannis, Massachusetts-based Cape Air.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-cape-air-named-as-launch-customer-for-the-ali-459105/ |title= Cape Air named as launch customer for the Alice electric aircraft |date= 18 June 2019 |author-first= Kate |author-last=Sarsfield |work= FlightGlobal |location=Paris |publication-place=Sutton, London }} Cape Air ordered 92 aircraft, priced at $4 million each.{{cite news |url=https://fortune.com/2019/06/22/2019-paris-air-show-tech/|title=Electric Planes, Flying Taxis, Supersonic Jets: Paris Air Show Gives Us a Peek at the Future of Flight|work=Fortune|date=22 June 2019 |author-first=Phil |author-last=Boucher |issn=0015-8259}} MagniX investor Clermont Group from Singapore took a 70% stake in Eviation Aircraft in August 2019.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/clermont-acquires-eviation-aircraft-460564/ |title= Clermont acquires Eviation Aircraft |date= 30 August 2019 |author-first= Kate |author-last=Sarsfield |work= FlightGlobal}} By October 2019, over 150 Alice aircraft had been ordered by two American companies. Many orders are backed by firm but refundable down payments.{{cite news |last1=Weitering |first1=Hanneke |title=Eviation Reveals Latest Redesign of Alice Electric Airplane {{!}} AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-29/eviation-reveals-latest-redesign-alice-electric-airplane |access-date=5 September 2024 |work=Aviation International News |date=29 April 2024}} Further investment of $500 million was still needed to begin serial production.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-24/eviation-lands-more-customers-as-electric-plane-orders-top-150|title=Orders for a new all-electric plane now top 150|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=24 October 2019 |author-first=Christopher |author-last=Jasper |url-access=registration}}

On 22 January 2020, a fire broke out and the prototype was destroyed,{{Cite news |author-first=Kate |author-last=Sarsfield|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/business-aviation/investigation-launched-as-lilium-jet-prototype-is-destroyed-by-fire/137039.article| title = First electric VTOL Lilium Jet prototype goes up in flames: Updated |website=FlightGlobal |date= 2 March 2020 |quote=Eviation’s Alice fixed-wing prototype was destroyed by a blaze on 22 January that started in a ground-based battery system.}}{{cite web|url = https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/eviation-electric-aircraft-prototype-damaged-in-testing-fire/|title = Eviation Electric Aircraft Prototype Damaged In Testing Fire|access-date = 28 January 2020|last =O'Connor |first =Kate |work =AVweb |date = 24 January 2020|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200128175023/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/eviation-electric-aircraft-prototype-damaged-in-testing-fire/|archivedate = 28 January 2020}} but no-one was injured.{{Cite web|url=https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/electric-plane-catches-fire-last-night/|title=Electric Plane Catches Fire Last Night|website=Plane & Pilot Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=24 January 2020}} The fire broke out in an under-floor battery compartment located in the "operator/passenger area".{{Cite news|date=20 November 2020|title=Eviation Alice fire involved lithium-Ion batteries which ignited after hours of power plant tests|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/eviation-alice-fire-involved-lithium-ion-batteries-which-ignited-after-hours-of-powerplant-tests/141228.article|website=FlightGlobal |author-first=Jon |author-last=Hemmerdinger}}

On 18 May 2020, GKN Aerospace announced their partnership with Eviation on the design and manufacture of the wing, empennage and electrical wiring interconnection system of subsequent Alice airframes.{{cite press release |url=https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2020/gkn-aerospace-and-eviation-sign-collaboration-agreement-on-wing-empennage-and-ewis-for-alice-all-electric-aircraft/|title=GKN Aerospace and Eviation sign Collaboration Agreement on Wing, Empennage and EWIS for Alice All-Electric Aircraft|date= 18 May 2019}}

File:Eviation Alice aircraft July 2021 configuration.jpg and a tricycle landing gear.]]

By December 2020, Eviation expected to fly a modified Alice design in 2021, with the wing-tip motors relocated, before certification in the second half of 2023.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/eviation-tweaks-alice-design-aims-for-2021-first-flight/141618.article |title= Eviation tweaks Alice design, aims for 2021 first flight |author-first= Jon |author-last=Hemmerdinger |date= 16 December 2020 |work= FlightGlobal}}

In July 2021, Eviation unveiled the updated configuration with a T-tail and two 850 hp (634 kW) Magni650 electric powerplants on each side of the aft fuselage, aiming for a first flight the same year.

It should cruise at 220 kn (407 km/h, down from 240 kn), have 440 nmi range, 100 nmi (185 km) less than previously, be powered by an 820 kWh lithium-ion battery weighing 3,720 kg (8,200 lb), down from a 920 kWh battery weighing 3,600 kg, would have a 6,350 kg maximum take-off weight, down from 6,668 kg, an altitude ceiling of 32,000 ft and a maximum payload of 1,134 kg.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/eviation-changes-alice-design-performance-specifications-shift/144376.article |title= Eviation changes Alice design, performance specifications shift |author-first= Jon |author-last=Hemmerdinger |date= 1 July 2021 |work= FlightGlobal}}

Taxi testing of the first production model began in December 2021 at Arlington Municipal Airport, north of Seattle.{{cite news |last=Gates |first=Dominic |author-link=Dominic Gates |date=14 February 2022 |title=Electric airplane CEO ousted ahead of 1st flight |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/electric-airplane-ceo-ousted-ahead-of-first-flight/ |newspaper=The Seattle Times |issn=0745-0656|accessdate=14 February 2022}} In June 2022, it was announced that the prototype Alice was being moved to Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, where first flight was hoped to occur by the summer of 2022.{{Cite news |last=Podsada |first=Janice |date=7 June 2022 |title=Eviation moves tests of electric passenger plane to Moses Lake |work=The Everett Herald |issn=2332-0079 |publication-place=Everett, Washington|url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/eviation-moves-tests-of-electric-passenger-plane-to-moses-lake/ |access-date=7 June 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Ostrower |first=Jon |date=6 June 2022 |title=Eviation relocates Alice to Moses Lake for maiden flight |work=The Air Current |url=https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/eviation-relocates-alice-moses-lake/ |access-date=7 June 2022}}

The aircraft had its first flight on 27 September 2022.

Following the first test flight, Eviation announced it has revised the proposed range from 440 nm to 250 nm. The projected service entry date has been delayed to 2027.{{Cite web |title=Eviation Aircraft Alice |url=https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/alice |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=FutureFlight |language=en-US|author= |date=September 2022 |publisher=AIN Media Group }}

Before this range reduction, endurance at MTOW was planned at 2.8h.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/eviation-ceo-details-alices-battery-safety-system-first-flight-days-away/147456.article |title= Eviation CEO details Alice's battery safety system, first flight 'days away' |author-first= Jon |author-last=Hemmerdinger |date= 10 February 2022 |work= FlightGlobal}}

As no other flights followed the eight-minute September 2022 sortie, in April 2024 Eviation updated the Alice configuration to a constant cross-section tubular fuselage, large winglets, higher propeller pylons, and a larger central energy storage compartment above the wing following the completion of a conceptual design review alongside TLG Aerospace.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/eviation-reshapes-alice-as-commuter-clears-concept-design-review-stage/157998.article |title= Eviation reshapes Alice as commuter clears concept design review stage |author-first= Dominic |author-last=Perry |date= 25 April 2024 |work= FlightGlobal}}{{cite news |last1=Hardee |first1=Howard |title=Certification of Eviation’s all-electric Alice pushes toward end of decade |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/certification-of-eviations-all-electric-alice-pushes-toward-end-of-decade/159739.article |access-date=5 September 2024 |work=Flight Global |date=4 September 2024 |language=en}}

In February 2025, the company announced it would lay off most of its staff among struggles between the company's cofounders and the majority owner of the company, Singapore-based Clermont group. The future viability of the company or the project is unknown. {{cite news |url= https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/wa-electric-plane-startup-halts-operations-in-blow-to-green-aviation/ |title= WA electric plane startup halts operations in blow to green aviation |author-first= Dominic |author-last=Gates |date= 14 February 2025 |work= Seattle Times}}{{cite web |last=Ostrower |first=Jon |title=Electric airplane aspirant Evation lays off most of its staff |date=14 February 2025 |website=The Air Current |url=https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/electric-airplane-eviation-lays-off-most-staff-alice/ |accessdate=28 March 2025}}

Two variants of the Alice were originally planned.

The initial, unpressurized model was intended for air taxi operations, with energy stored in a lithium-ion battery. Eviation was working on building a prototype scheduled to fly in early 2019. In 2017, a second pressurized model was to be an extended-range ER executive aircraft available by 2023 for $2.9 million, with a more powerful aluminum-air battery with a lithium-polymer buffer, a cabin pressurized to {{convert|4000|ft|abbr=on|disp=flip}} at FL 280, G5000 avionics, a {{cvt|444|km/h|kn}} cruise and {{cvt|1367|km|nmi}} range.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/nbaa-2017/emerging-aircraft-props-and-turboprops |title= Emerging Aircraft: Props And Turboprops |date= 8 October 2017 |author-first=Paul |author-last=Jackson |work= Aviation Week Network }}

In October 2019, Eviation described only the pressurized Alice Commuter with a {{cvt|260|kn|km/h}} cruise speed.{{cite web |url=https://www.eviation.co/alice/ |title=Alice Commuter |publisher=Eviation |access-date=28 October 2019 |archive-date=23 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723110056/https://www.eviation.co/alice/ |url-status=dead }}

With 260 Wh/kg cells, the 900 kWh battery capacity ({{cvt|{{#expr:900/.26round-1}}|kg|disp=comma}}) is initially estimated to give the design a range of {{cvt|540|-|650|nmi|km}} at 240 knots and {{cvt|10000|ft|m|0}}. This is anticipated to increase as battery technology improves.

The batteries have been tested to more than 1,000 cycles, equivalent to 3,000 flight hours, They will then require replacement at a cost of $250,000, which is half of the direct operating cost and similar to a piston engine overhaul.

Based on U.S. industrial electricity prices, the direct operating cost with nine passengers and two crew, flying at {{cvt|240|kn|km/h}}, is claimed to be $200 per hour, which compares to $600–1,000 per hour for existing aircraft of similar purchase price such as the Cessna 402s, Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air, for operations on routes under {{cvt|500|nmi|km}}.

45% of air routes fall within its 565 nmi (1,050 km) range at 260 kn (482 km/h), or 55% of airline flights according to Flightglobal's Cirium data.

The electric drivetrain will have a higher voltage than current electrical systems. Two {{cvt|850|hp|kW}} Magni650 electric motors will drive two propellers mounted on the aft fuselage.

The unpressurized aircraft has a flat lower fuselage. The Italian company Magnaghi Aeronautica supplies landing gear and has already produced the gear for the similarly sized Piaggio P.180 Avanti.

It will be built with existing technology, including a composite airframe, propulsion from two Magnix electric engines and Honeywell's flight control systems, including automatic landing.

At 3,700 kg (8,200 lb), the batteries account for 60% of the aircraft take-off weight. Manufacturing is planned in the US.

The company plans for recharging to be carried out by mobile charging vehicles, similar to aviation fuel trucks. Each hour of flight time is expected to require a charging time of 30 minutes.{{cite news|url=https://transportup.com/headlines-breaking-news/vehicles-manufactures/eviation-secures-150-total-orders-for-its-all-electric-commuter-aircraft/|title=Eviation Secures 150 Total Orders for its All-Electric Commuter Aircraft|work=Transport Up|date=26 October 2019|access-date=10 December 2019|archive-date=27 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027131048/https://transportup.com/headlines-breaking-news/vehicles-manufactures/eviation-secures-150-total-orders-for-its-all-electric-commuter-aircraft/|url-status=usurped}}

The cells are similar to those from auto industry batteries.

In 2024, Eviation disclosed it has secured more than 600 letters of intent (LOIs) for aircraft worth an estimated $5 billion, with some of those deals included deposits, the company hopes to begin converting LOIs into firm orders once it has finalised suppliers for the aircraft.

The first potential customers for the Alice was Cape Air, a regional airline serving the Northeastern United States as well as the Caribbean.{{Cite news|last=Spillane|first=Geoff|title=Cape Cod-based Cape Air announced to fly all-electric plane|url=https://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20190619/cape-cod-based-cape-air-announced-to-fly-all-electric-plane|access-date=6 July 2021|newspaper=Cape Cod Times|language=en |issn=0747-1467|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183637/https://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20190619/cape-cod-based-cape-air-announced-to-fly-all-electric-plane|url-status=dead}} In August 2021, Deutsche Post announced that it had ordered 12 aircraft for use by DHL to transport cargo, with delivery planned from 2024.{{cite press release |url=https://www.dpdhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2021/dhl-express-shapes-future-for-sustainable-aviation-order-first-ever-all-electric-cargo-planes-eviation.html |title=DHL Express shapes future for sustainable aviation with the order of first-ever all-electric cargo planes from Eviation |publisher=Deutsche Post DHL |date=3 August 2021}}{{cite magazine |last=Broadbent |first=Mark |title=All about Alice for DHL |magazine=Air International |date=September 2021 |volume=101 |issue=3 |page=6 |issn=0306-5634}}

In April 2022, Eviation stated that Cape Air signed a letter of Intent for the purchase of 75 planes.{{cite news |author-first= Jon |author-last=Hemmerdinger |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/eviation-says-cape-air-will-take-75-alice-aircraft-details-scarce/148287.article |title= Eviation says Cape Air will take 75 Alice aircraft, details scarce |date=15 April 2022 |work= FlightGlobal}}

In September 2022, GlobalX Airlines signed a letter of intent for an order of 50 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/globalx-orders-50-eviation-alice-electric-aircraft/|title= GlobalX Orders 50 Eviation Alice Electric Aircraft|access-date= 16 September 2022|last= O'Connor|first= Kate|work= AVweb|date= 15 September 2022|archive-url= https://archive.today/20220916123945/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/globalx-orders-50-eviation-alice-electric-aircraft/|archive-date= 16 September 2022|url-status= live}} In January 2023, Mexican regional carrier Aerus ordered 30 aircraft.{{cite news |last1=Boyle |first1=Alan |author1-link=Alan Boyle |title=Mexico's Aerus airline signs up for 30 electric airplanes to be built by Eviation |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2023/mexico-aerus-30-electric-airplanes-eviation/ |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=GeekWire |publisher=GeekWire, LLC |date=17 January 2023}}

{{Aircraft specs

| ref= Eviation{{cite web |url= https://www.eviation.co/aircraft/#Alice-Specifications |title= Alice Specifications |publisher= Eviation |access-date= 19 April 2021 |archive-date= 28 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220928134020/https://www.eviation.co/aircraft/#Alice-Specifications |url-status= dead }}

| prime units?=met

| crew= 2

| capacity= 9 passengers

| length m=17.4

| span m=19.2

| height m=3.84

| more general=

• Commuter payload: {{cvt|2,500|lb|0|order=flip}}
• Cargo payload: {{cvt|2,600|lb|0|order=flip}}{{cite press release |url= https://www.eviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Eviation-First-Flight-Press-Release-9.27.22.docx-1.pdf |title= Eviation's Alice Achieves Milestone with First Flight of All-Electric Aircraft |publisher= Eviation |date= 27 September 2022}}

| max takeoff weight lb=18400

| fuel capacity=

| eng1 number=2

| eng1 name=magniX 650 Electrical Power Unit

| eng1 kw=700

| eng1 note=

| max speed kts=260

| range nmi=250

| range note=VFR, 30 min. reserve, LRC, MTOW

| more performance=

• Take-off field Length: {{cvt|2,750|ft|order=flip}}
• Landing distance: {{cvt|2,040|ft|order=flip}}

}}

• {{annotated link|List of electric aircraft}}
• {{annotated link|Tecnam P-Volt}}
• {{annotated link|Zunum Aero}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}

Category:2020s Israeli business aircraft

Category:Electric aircraft

Category:Eviation aircraft

Category:Twin-engined tractor aircraft

Category:Low-wing aircraft

Category:T-tail aircraft

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2022