German-based international courier DHL Express has ordered 12 all-electric Alice cargo planes from Seattle-based electric aviation firm Eviation, with plans to build the world's first electric air cargo network.
DHL Eviation Alice electric plane. Photo: DHL
Image: DHL
Previously, the Alice electric aircraft had been marketed as a 9-passenger, 2-crew commuter plane, but the announcement opens up a new avenue for the company to sell its products.
Scheduled for delivery in 2024, the Alice can carry up to 1,200 kg, has a maximum cruise speed of 220 knots (470 km/h or 253 mph) and a maximum range of 440 nautical miles (815 km or 506 miles). Charging time per flight takes around 30 minutes.
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In a statement, DHL said that Eviation will undertake a maiden flight later this year, and that, once delivered, the aircraft will operate in all environments served by its existing cargo planes but that Alice's advanced electric motor and fewer moving parts will boost reliability and decrease maintenance costs.
DHL added that the electric plane is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure.
Charging will take place during loading and unloading meaning a fast turnaround time that can maintain the company's tight schedules.
The order is the first part of DHL's Sustainability road map, which is unveiled in the first quarter of this year. In total, the group will invest €7 billion by 2030 to cut its CO2 emissions.
Much of this investment will be funnelled into the electrification of its last-mile delivery fleet, as well as climate-neutral buildings and sustainable aviation fuels.
The company announced its zero-emissions target of 2050 four years ago and has also committed to reducing emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
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"We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics," said 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."
Eviation, which is owned by Singapore's Clermont Group, is one of several companies looking to develop small electric aircraft with lower energy and operating costs, fewer emissions and be quieter than conventionally fuelled planes.
Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay said: "Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe."
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