Washington State-based electric-aircraft manufacturer Eviation Aircraft has announced that it has appointed TLG Aerospace, a Seattle-based aerospace engineering company, to design the production configuration of its Alice nine-passenger commuter plane, the only flight-proven all-electric commuter aircraft of its size. According to the company, the announcement marks a significant step on the Alice’s path to certification.
Built from a clean-sheet design that integrates magniX’s electric propulsion system, Alice produces zero carbon emissions and features lower operating costs per flight hour than light jets or high-end turboprops, thereby providing the opportunity to activate more routes, improving the convenience of air travel.
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The aircraft has a maximum operating speed of 260 knots and once it enters service, it’s expected to cover routes that range in length from 240 to 400 kilometres. According to Eviation, the Alice features an ‘endlessly upgradeable’ battery system, suggesting that its range could be extended as battery technology continues to improve.
The aircraft made its maiden flight in September 2022 and the company’s order book has surpassed US$4 billion.
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TLG and Eviation will now begin design work on the aircraft’s production configuration. In addition to the nine-seat passenger version, the Alice is also expected to be available in a six-seat executive cabin configuration and an eCargo version.
‘Establishing the production configuration of the Alice aircraft is an important milestone in the programme,’ said Gregory Davis, CEO of Eviation. ‘This allows us to complete the design of the production version of the aircraft, a significant step on Alice’s path to certification. We are excited to work with the expert engineering team at TLG Aerospace to take Alice into this next stage of bringing zero-carbon, cost-effective and convenient air travel to the market.’
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‘TLG Aerospace is thrilled to be joining this significant chapter in the development of the Alice aircraft,’ said Steve Muenzberg, CEO of TLG Aerospace. ‘Alice is an innovative, beautifully designed plane and a vital solution to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon emissions. At TLG Aerospace we are committed to supporting the aviation industry’s transition to sustainability, and working with Eviation’s Alice is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to this critical initiative.’
Eviation has said that it aims to commence its certification test programme in around 2025, with first deliveries anticipated to take place by 2027.