Electron develops the E5 Albatross, a car-sized, pure‑battery electric aircraft designed for efficient, low‑cost private travel. The aircraft seats five, offers a 750 km range covering over 50 % of current private flights, and delivers under 20 g CO₂ per passenger‑km with noise below 55 dBA, targeting first flight in 2027.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Private air travel currently relies on fuel‑burning aircraft that are expensive to operate, generate significant CO₂ emissions, and are limited to small passenger loads, making short‑range trips costly and environmentally unsustainable.
Solution
Electron is developing the E5 Albatross, a car‑sized, pure‑battery electric aircraft designed to provide low‑cost, zero‑emission private travel for up to five passengers. By leveraging mature EV battery and drive‑system technology within the EASA CS‑23 certification framework, the E5 aims to achieve a 750 km range—covering more than half of existing private flight missions—while delivering operating costs lower than conventional aircraft and comparable to driving. The aircraft’s quiet operation (<55 dBA) and low CO₂ intensity (<20 g per passenger‑km) enable environmentally friendly travel that is faster than road transport (350 km/h cruise). A full‑size cargo door and modular interior support versatile use cases, including passenger transport, cargo, and medical evacuation, positioning the E5 as a practical workhorse for regional air mobility.
Target Audience
Primary customers are business travelers, families, and regional air service operators seeking efficient, low‑cost, zero‑emission aircraft for short‑ to medium‑range routes, as well as organizations requiring versatile air transport for cargo or medical evacuation.
Features
- Pure‑battery electric propulsion using commercially available EV battery packs
- Car‑sized airframe optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, inspired by the albatross
- 750 km+ range with reserves, covering >50 % of current private flight routes
- Capacity for 5 passengers plus luggage, with a full‑size cargo door for rapid loading
- Cruise speed of 350 km/h, offering 3–4× faster travel than road trips
- Noise level below 55 dBA and CO₂ emissions under 20 g per passenger‑km
- Integrated heat‑pump air‑conditioning system for cabin comfort