First-Ever All-Electric Passenger Plane Takes Flight

This week saw the first commercial flight of an all-electric passenger aircraft, an important milestone on the road to zero-emission air travel.

According to the company, the Alice aircraft, manufactured by Eviation Aircraft, took off from Grant County International Airport in Washington on September 27 and flew for 8 minutes. The plane climbed to an altitude of 3,500 feet.

The aircraft, which can carry both passengers and cargo, has a top speed of 260 knots and can accommodate up to nine passengers and two crew members at a time. Seat pitch for passengers is 32 inches when the aircraft is in service.

“Today we embark on the next era of aviation – we have successfully electrified the skies with the unforgettable first flight of Alice,” Eviation President and CEO Gregory Davis said in a statement.

“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.”

The aircraft will travel distances between 150 and 250 miles. The aircraft is powered by two Magni650 electric engines that emit no carbon emissions. Compared to similar light jets or high-end turboprop aircraft, the company says the plane is less noisy and “costs a fraction to…