On September 28, US time, the first full electric aircraft "Alice" manufactured by aircraft manufacturer Eviation successfully completed its maiden voyage in Moses Lake, Washington, USA. Alice took off from Grant County International Airport (MWH) at 4:10 pm local time on the 28th. The total flight time of is 8 minutes and the flight altitude reaches 3,500 feet (1,066 meters). is the world's first all-electric aircraft. DHL Express revealed that it has ordered 12 Alices to promote the electrification of its global air express network.
"This first flight is of great significance and marks the beginning of the era of sustainable aviation. DHL Express CEO John Pearson was overjoyed. With its range and load capacity, Alice electric aircraft will become a unique sustainable solution in our global aviation network, helping us reduce our carbon footprint. We are constantly increasing our investment and committed to achieving the overall goal of net zero emissions related to logistics as scheduled by 2050."
In August 2021, DHL Express announced that it would order 12 Alice fully electric cargo aircraft from Eviation, becoming its first customer. Through this cooperation, DHL Express aims to establish an electric-powered international express network, taking a pioneering step towards achieving sustainable aviation development. Eviation is expected to deliver the ordered Alice all-electric aircraft to DHL express in 2024.
Alice electric aircraft can be operated by a pilot with a load of 1,200 kg (2,600 lbs), charge time of less than 30 minutes per flight hour, with a maximum range of 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles), and can be operated in all environments where piston and turbine aircraft are suitable for flight. Alice electric aircraft uses fewer movable parts, which improves reliability while also reducing maintenance costs. In addition, its operating system can continuously monitor aircraft flight performance to ensure flight efficiency. In addition, Alice electric airport station facilities are investments less, and can be charged during loading and unloading of goods, ensuring transshipment time and meeting the timeliness of DHL Express.
In March 2021, DHL Express parent company Deutsche Post DHL Group released a new sustainable development roadmap, and decarbonization of the operational link is one of its important components. By 2030, the Group will invest 7 billion euros (including operating expenses and fixed asset expenses) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Source: 21st Century Business Herald
Original title: The world's first all-electric aircraft successfully flew for the first time
