05/30/2026
On May 21, 2026, Ampaire flew the hybrid-electric aircraft Electric EEL into San Carlos Airport as part of the continued advancement of practical electric aviation.
Ampaire modified this aircraft by replacing the forward combustion engine with an all-electric propulsion system powered by batteries housed in the aircraft’s belly pod, while retaining the aft combustion engine. Together, the systems operate as a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the utility and range of conventional aviation.
In hybrid-electric configuration, this aircraft has flown more than 30,000 miles, including operations and demonstrations in Hawaii, Scotland, Alaska, Canada, and across the United States.
It is part of the early generation of hybrid-electric aircraft helping pioneer the future of sustainable aviation.