All-electric air mobility solutions provider Eviation Aircraft has selected Siemens to provide high power, all-electric propulsion systems for its regional 'Alice' electric planes. The Alice will be displayed at the upcoming Paris Air Show and will conduct its first flight later this year.

Inspired by new design possibilities that emerged by replacing turbine engines with all electric motors, Eviation and its team created Alice with sleek, stylish and cost-effective air mobility in mind. Siemens was selected to provide the motor as it has been a leader in developing low weight and high power compact efficient motors, engineered to meet aviation standards and safety regulations. The two companies will work on propulsion system integration, including electrical integration, FBW system connectivity, thermal management system development and mechanical mounting.

“At Siemens, we believe that we are in a new era of aviation and mobility, an era that will be dominated by high performing electric propulsion, automation and efficiency, which is why partnering with Eviation is so befitting,” says head of eAircraft Frank Anton. “This partnership will serve as an industry milestone to demonstrate information exchange and system adaptations to create the first all-electric solution. We are committed to providing technology that provides solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems, and by collaborating with Eviation to develop the Alice, we are able to further our mission.”

The Alice includes innovations in thermal management and autonomous landing, as well as distributed electric propulsion, modern battery technology and composite body frames. It is said to be capable of flying with nine passengers at 220 kts to a range of 650 miles on a single charge. Following test flights this year and certification in 2021, Eviation will begin shipping the aircraft for commercial use in 2022.

“For more than 150 years, Siemens has been a pioneer in developing motors designed for performance, efficiency and are well-respected for reliability,” explains Eviation Aircraft CEO and co-founder Omer Bar-Yohay. “By utilising advanced motor technology, Alice is further established as a frontrunner for high performing zero-emission electric aviation.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Siemens to develop the first fully-operational all-electric regional commuter and pleased to work with iconic partners who share our vision of making clean regional air travel accessible for all.”