The aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the advent of all-electric passenger aircraft. Leading this charge is Eviation's Alice, which achieved its maiden flight in September 2022. This nine-passenger aircraft, powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units, reached speeds of 481 km/h (298 mph) during an eight-minute flight at an altitude of 1,066 meters (3,500 feet). This milestone demonstrated the viability of electric propulsion in commercial aviation.
Following this achievement, Eviation has been refining Alice's design. In April 2024, the company unveiled a redesigned configuration featuring a constant cross-section tubular fuselage, larger winglets, elevated propeller pylons, and an expanded central energy storage compartment above the wing. These enhancements aim to optimize performance and pave the way for commercial production. 
The market response has been promising. As of 2024, Eviation reported over 600 letters of intent for Alice, amounting to an estimated $5 billion in potential sales. Notable commitments include regional airline Cape Air and logistics giant DHL Express, which has ordered 12 Alice eCargo planes. These developments underscore a growing interest in sustainable aviation solutions. 
In parallel, other innovators are making strides in electric aviation. Dutch startup Elysian is developing the E9X, a concept aircraft designed to carry 90 passengers up to 500 miles on a single charge. This ambitious project aims to reduce CO2 emissions and revolutionize regional air travel by 2030.