[ad_1]
DHL and Eviation today announced a rather important moment in the history of the development of electric aviation and in particular of electric cargo aviation. From the end of the year, DHL will begin testing a fleet of 12 electric cargo planes of the current Aviation’s only model nicknamed “Alice”. Deliveries will begin in 2024.
The Alice planes look almost identical, with the exception of a few missing windows and seats and an additional 100 pound capacity, to the passenger version of the Eviation Alice plane that we’ve talked about in the past, calling it so fun the “Aviation Tesla”. It now has a range of around 440 NM or just over 500 miles (800 km).
Eviation updated Alice last month with a few important changes:
Changing from a V-tail to a T-tail “will optimize performance and handling, allowing pilots to switch easily and reliably to piloting the aircraft.”
The updated design “represents a final step in our iterative journey to Alice’s first flight,” adds Aviation Managing Director Omer Bar-Yohay.
Eviation also confirms that Alice will use two of Magnix’s 850 hp (634 kW) Magni650 electric motors, rather than three 375 hp Magni250s. In June, Magnix announced that it was replacing the Magni250 and another predecessor, the 750 hp Magni500, with two new derivatives: the 469 hp Magni350 and the Magni650.
Additionally, figures from the Eviation website show that the company has changed Alice’s advertised capabilities in recent years, reducing its range by 100nm (185km).
The website now says Alice will cruise at 220 kt (407 km / h) and have a range of 440 nm, with power from an 820 kWh lithium-ion battery system weighing 3,720 kg (8,200 lb). ). Previously, Eviation had said that Alice would sail at 240kt and have a range of 540nm and a 920kWh battery system weighing 3,600kg.
Eviation has moved its headquarters from Israel to Seattle but retains most of its Israeli leadership.
DHL plans to build the world’s first electric air cargo network with the electric aircraft, noting that Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 pounds). It will take 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles).
What is more important is that Alice will operate in all environments currently served by short-range piston and turbine aircraft.
Electric planes cut costs (oh and save the planet)
Alice’s electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs compared to combustion. Its operating software continuously monitors flight performance to ensure optimum efficiency. Electricity costs much less per kilometer than AvGas or Jet Fuel. The plane requires only one pilot for cargo, which saves human resources. Not to mention that it is quieter for noise reduction.
“We strongly believe in a future with zero emissions logistics,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the goal of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of each mode of transport plays a crucial role and will contribute significantly to our overall goal of zero emission sustainability. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been recognized as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the ideal partner with Eviation because they share our goal, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.
“The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it came with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will,” said Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski. “With on-demand purchases and deliveries steadily increasing, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet, low-cost operation that will open greater opportunities for more communities. “
The commercial passenger version of Alice’s specs is below and appears to be very similar to the freighter version:
Check out some of the images below:
Electek’s point of view:
You like to see it. Short-haul aviation is where we can really make progress over the next 5-10 years. The long haul will likely require hydrogen if we are to go down to zero carbon. There are simply no battery breakthroughs that will solve 10-hour over-ocean flights over the next decade.
As for this aircraft, it hits a lot of good places, which is ideal for short-haul general aviation. Cape Air in the United States has already signed on for its expensive NYC to Cape Cod / Martha’s Vineyard route. I expect to see more flying between places like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Another vector that these planes could exploit is flying from small, quiet airports with prohibitive noise reduction regulations for jets or turboprop. Flying an electric plane above our heads is much easier to swallow than the jet fuel-discharging dinosaurs that currently inhabit our skies.
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links which generate income. Following.
Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.
[ad_2]
Source link