DHL orders 12 Eviation planes, plans first electric network

Aug. 4, 2021
DHL said Eviation expects to make a maiden flight later this year and plans to deliver the cargo aircraft to DHL in 2024, Reuters reports.

BERLIN - DHL Express has ordered 12 electric cargo aircraft from start-up Eviation for delivery in 2024 and plans to build the world's first electric air cargo network, the unit of German logistics group Deutsche Post (DPWGn.DE) said on Tuesday, Reuters reports. Continue reading original article.

The Intelligent Aerospace take:

August 4, 2021 - “We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics,” says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.”

Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles). Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency.

Related: GKN Aerospace and Eviation sign collaboration agreement on wing, empennage and EWIS for Alice all-electric aircraft

Related: Eviation begins pre-sales of its nine-passenger Alice e-aircraft fleets for "middle mile" flights

Related: Airbus E-Fan electric aircraft makes U.S. debut with hybrid engine

Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace

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