First Electric Aircraft To Enter Serial Production Takes Flight, Buy Yours Now

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GRA

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Via IEVS: https://insideevs.com/first-electric-aircraft-to-enter-serial-production-takes-flight-buy-yours-now/

Slovenia-based Pipistrel has announced series production of the Alpha Electro electric aircraft. The first serially-built unit took its first flight earlier this month.

Pipistrel Alpha Electro

The two-seater is designed for training of new pilots. The 21 kWh battery enables 60 minute lessons (plus a reserve). The electric motor is just 50 kW, but it seems powerful enough for max take off weight (MTOW) of 550 kg (1212 lb). Empty weight is 350 kg.

In Australia, the first customer is Electro.Aero, who says that the Alpha Electro is not only quieter and smoother for learning, but will help lower the cost of becoming a pilot (up to 70% according to Pipistrel). . . .
Basic specs and photos included. Although they mention that it can be bought privately, IMO 1 hour of flight limits the a/c to local training, just as 1 hour range ground BEVs limit them to local use, but even more so for an a/c. They'd need to at least double and preferably triple or quadruple that to make the a/c useful for travel, barring short puddle jumps that would otherwise require long drives around. The amount of the reserve isn't stated.
 
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