Eviation Aircraft, a global manufacturer of all-electric air mobility solutions, has selected Siemens to provide high-power, all-electric propulsion systems for its fleet of regional Alice electric planes.

Eviation says it is working towards the commercialisation of aviation’s first all-electric plane, Alice, and that and the Siemens collaboration marks a significant point in the journey towards this.

The partners will collaborate on propulsion system integration, including electrical integration, fly-by-wire (FBW) system connectivity, thermal management system development and mechanical mounting.

Eviation said it selected Siemens due to its leading development in extremely low weight and high-power compact efficient motors designed to meet aviation standards and safety regulations.

A new era of aviation

Dr Frank Anton, Head eAircraft, Siemens, said: “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.

“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.”

Omer Bar-Yohay, Eviation commented: “For more than 150 years, Siemens has been a pioneer in developing motors designed for performance, efficiency and are well-respected for reliability. By utilising Siemens’ advanced motor technology, Alice is further established as a front runner 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 we’re pleased to work with iconic partners who share our vision of making clean regional air travel accessible for all.”

Shipping in 2022

The Alice will be on display at Paris Air Show this June and is set to conduct its first flight later this year. The Alice aircraft can fly with nine passengers at 220 knots 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.

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