Read indepth magazine
Electric Private Jet Concept Could Be The "Uber of the Skies"
Six hundred miles may not sound like a particularly impressive range for an aircraft – until you discover that the jet in question can fly that far powered exclusively by electricity.
The brainchild of Israel-based company Eviation Aircraft, the first prototype of their all-electric model, dubbed the ‘Alice’, was recently showcased at the International Paris Air Show.
The futuristic machine is marketed as a commuter airplane – an “airborne Uber” – that could be used as an alternative to ground based transport for short trips between major cities. It has the capacity to carry nine passengers and two crew members
“At a time when we are more connected than ever, our mobility options must adapt to reflect this new, efficient future,” says Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO of Eviation Aircraft.
“Whether it is zero emissions, low-cost trip from Silicon Valley to San Diego, or Seoul to Beijing, our all-electric aircraft represents a chance for people to move with the speed and impact our global economy now demands.”
The aircraft has a cruise altitude of 10,000 feet and a top speed of 240 knots. Its airframe, propeller and motor have all been designed specially to conserve more energy and it is made entirely out of composites to keep the overall weight as low as possible.
According to its makers, the Alice could be ready to move into certification and commercialisation within a couple of years.