Dutch startup Elysian Aircraft is developing the E9X, a commercial electric airliner designed to carry up to 100 passengers. The aircraft features modular battery packs integrated into its wings, which power six electric motors and propellers. The company developed the design in collaboration with researchers from the Delft University of Technology.
The E9X is projected to achieve a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. According to the company, this capacity would cover nearly 50% of global scheduled commercial flights and potentially reduce total aerospace emissions by 20%. Elysian expects the aircraft to enter service by 2034.
Elysian has completed its second conceptual design review and successfully tested a scaled demonstrator in partnership with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). These tests focused on the integration of heavy battery packs into the aircraft wings, a design choice that replaces traditional fuel storage locations.
The startup is currently collaborating with airline partners KLM and Transavia to evaluate operational and commercial requirements for electric aviation. Additionally, the aircraft lessor TrueNoord is involved in exploring potential financing and commercial support models for the E9X program.
