In a bold move, Dutch startup Elysian has unveiled plans to develop a fully electric regional aircraft capable of reducing emissions by 90%.
The E9X, with a range of 500 miles and space for 90 passengers, is set to revolutionize the aviation industry’s quest for sustainability.
Elysian’s director of design and engineering, Reynard de Vries, disputes the widely-held notion that battery technology needs to evolve significantly before electric passenger aircraft can become a reality.
“You can fly much farther with battery-powered electric aircraft than what most studies claim – if you make the right choices,” he emphasizes.
The E9X’s unconventional design features an eight-propeller engine, a large wingspan, and a thinner fuselage, making it larger and heavier than other regional aircraft. The batteries will be placed in the wings rather than the fuselage, which de Vries believes is a critical design choice.
The plane is expected to have a climate impact of between 75% and 90% lower than today’s narrowbody jets, even accounting for the production of batteries and electricity used to recharge them. The turnaround time will be around 45 minutes, which may be longer than some airlines are used to.
Elysian has already begun discussions with airlines around the world and expects to attract interest from regional and commuter airlines. The plane could also benefit secondary airfields that are currently underserved due to noise or emissions limitations.
In contrast to other electric aircraft projects, such as ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric plane and Eviation’s nine-passenger commuter plane, Elysian’s E9X is designed to enter service in the next decade. The company aims to build a scale model within two to three years and a full-scale prototype by 2030.
De Vries believes the E9X will offer a quieter and more enjoyable flight experience for passengers and will solve one of today’s pressing issues: limited cabin luggage space. With its innovative design and ambitious plans, Elysian is poised to challenge the status quo in the aviation industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
