This is Alice. It'll fly nine people around with zero emissions (Eviation Aircraft)
This is Alice. It’ll fly nine people around with zero emissions (Eviation Aircraft)

An Israeli startup has dazzled the Paris Air Show with the news it’s set to start selling its all-electric ‘Alice’ planes to commercial customers.

Eviation Aircraft says that Cape Air, one of the largest regional airlines in the US, has put forward a double-digit purchase option for its electric jets

The nine-seater planes will be incorporated into the airline’s current fleet, and will be available for regional trips. Currently, the amount of regional trips between 50 and 650 miles is on the increase over in the States as more people consider flying rather than driving.

Of course, Elon Musk’s electric car company Tesla has pioneered electric vehicles on the roads – so now it looks like the race is on to do the same for the skies.

Boarding an electric jet will mean we never have to feel ‘flying shame’ ever again.

‘For the first time in over 50 years, Eviation has created a new breed of aircraft fleets and a new era in aviation with the all-electric Alice,’ said Omer Bar-Yohay, the CEO of Eviation.

Plenty of leg room inside (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
Plenty of leg room inside (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
Comfy-looking seats as well. (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
Comfy-looking seats as well. (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
The Alice jet will have a cruise speed of 240 knots (276 mph, 445 km/h) (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
The Alice jet will have a cruise speed of 240 knots (276 mph, 445 km/h) (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)

‘By securing our first commercial customer with a large and well-respected regional airline such as Cape Air, we have demonstrated and proven Alice as a leader in first-to-market innovation and reliable zero-emission aviation.’

‘We are beyond thrilled to partner with Cape Air to bring the first all-electric regional aircraft to airports and air passengers across North America as we redesign air travel to make it quieter, cleaner and affordable.’

Eviation Aircraft plans to hold test flights at Moses Lake in central Washington state. (Eviation/Cover Images)
Eviation Aircraft plans to hold test flights at Moses Lake in central Washington state. (Eviation/Cover Images)
It was unveiled at the Paris Air Show this week (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
It was unveiled at the Paris Air Show this week (Jean-Marie Liot/Eviation/Cover Images)
The company expects to start shipping it for commercial use in 2022 (Eviation/Cover Images)
The company expects to start shipping it for commercial use in 2022 (Eviation/Cover Images)

Eviation says that its Alice plane leverages an IP portfolio that includes innovations in thermal management and autonomous landing, as well as distributed electric propulsion, industry-leading battery technology and cutting-edge composite body frames.

Each plane is capable of flying with nine passengers at 240 knots to a range of up to 650 miles on a single charge.

Following test flights this year and certification in 2021, Eviation says it expects to begin shipping the aircraft for commercial use in 2022.