World’s largest battery-electric aircraft completes historic 27-minute test flight powered by $5 electricity in New York: What's next
The world's largest battery-electric aircraft weighing 11 tonnes has flown — and its 27-minute test flight used only about $5 worth of electricity. Sweden-founded, US-based Heart Aerospace flew its full-scale X1 demonstrator for the first time on Aug. 12, 2026, from Plattsburgh International Airport in New York. The aircraft flew for 27 minutes, reached 335 metres (1,100 feet) and used an…
Heart Aerospace, founded in Sweden and based in the US, has achieved a historic milestone by flying its largest battery-electric aircraft, the X1 demonstrator, for 27 minutes. The test took place on August 12, 2026, from Plattsburgh International Airport in New York. The aircraft, weighing over 11 tonnes, utilized a battery-powered propulsion system that generated more than 1 MW, consuming approximately $5 worth of electricity - equivalent to around $0.18 per minute.
During the 27-minute flight, the X1 reached an altitude of 335 meters (1,100 feet) and had a wingspan of 800 km. Despite its heavy weight and size, the all-electric flight demonstrated the potential for the ES-30 regional aircraft, which is planned for production and targets a 200 km all-electric range. This historic flight marks the first time a full-scale battery-electric aircraft has taken to the skies, setting the stage for the development of a potential 30-seat, zero-emission regional aircraft.
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