Eviation Aircraft, a global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, has taken delivery of the first Alice electric propulsion unit (EPU) from magniX, representing a major milestone in the development of the Alice programme as it prepares for first flight later this year.

The Alice all-electric aircraft, which can fly nine passengers for up to 440 nm, will be powered exclusively by magniX propulsion systems. The flight-proven magniX EPUs have been powering aircraft in flight since December of 2019 and are on a path to FAA Part 33 certification in 2022. The EPUs offer an exceptional level of redundancy and reliability with consistent performance.

“The magniX delivery is one of the key milestones in getting emission free, low-cost, all-electric aviation off the ground with the first flight of Alice,” says Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay. “After many successful flights and tests of the magniX EPUs, we're confident the system will propel us to bringing the Alice to market and delivering a sustainable, scalable mobility solution that will revolutionise passenger and cargo flights.”

magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski adds: “The Alice is the epitome of the future of air transportation; all-electric by design, taking advantage of lightweight powerful and reliable propulsion systems. Together, we will enable a great flying experience; zero emissions, quieter and lower cost, all from and to airports closer to more communities.”

Eviation will soon begin a robust flight testing and certification programme.