DHL Express has ordered 12 fully electric cargo aircraft from Eviation, with the first delivery expected in 2024.
The Alice eCargo aircraft will carry 1.2 tonnes of cargo, require 30 minutes of charge per flight hour and have a range of up to 440 nautical miles.
It will operate in environments served by piston and turbine aircraft. Eviation says its electric motors have fewer moving parts and the operating software monitors flight performance to optimise efficiency.
Eviation also says the aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure.
DHL plans to build zero emission Alice feeder networks in the US, most likely starting in California.
The Alice eCargo’s first flight is planned for later this year.