EVIO Inc has officially launched a hybrid-electric regional airliner known as the EVIO 810 that it hopes will represent the future of aerial connectivity in a market that stands to demand thousands of replacement aircraft in the next few decades. With Boeing and Pratt & Whitney among the major stakeholders providing support to the Montreal-based Canadian aerospace company in this endeavor, the orders are already starting to rack up.

Indeed, when combining conditional purchase agreements and options, EVIO claims to have already secured a total of 450 orders for its new 810 hybrid-electric regional airliner. The firm expects a relatively quick turnaround, with the four-engine airliner expected to enter service as soon as the early 2030s.

The Future Is Here

In a statement released yesterday by the Canadian aerospace firm, EVIO confirmed the launch of its 810 hybrid-electric regional airliner program. The clean-sheet design had been in the works for several years, and is aimed at the 50 to 100-seat market, where EVIO hopes that the plane will be able to offer regional operators « a new level of efficiency and lower emissions. » A typical two-class layout would have space for 76 guests on board.

This would make it an ideal fit for the large and diverse US regional market, where scope clause regulations currently permit a maximum of 76 seats on regional planes. According to EVIO, the hybrid-electric aircraft would have a range of 500 nautical miles (926 km), with its takeoff weight clocking in at a grand total of 86,000 lbs (39,000 kg). Michael Derman, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of EVIO, welcomed the launch, saying:

« We’ve recognized early on that a strong-hybrid architecture can provide unmatched efficiencies for airlines, helping them sustain vibrant regional networks in a cost-effective, responsible way. »

Multiple Variants Have Been Proposed

The nature of the, as Derman puts it, ‘strong’ hybrid electric design means that, under certain conditions, the aircraft will actually be capable of fully electric flight. Among these conditions, the firm explains, are short-range flights and during takeoff and landing, where EVIO says that the 810’s all-electric capabilities will « reduce noise and emissions impact on local communities. » It hasn’t just proposed a passenger version of the plane, either,

Indeed, as pictured above, EVIO foresees multi-mission capabilities for the 810, with military usage also factored in as part of the plan, alongside cargo operations. Across the board, the firm is projecting strong demand, with « 5,000 regional turboprops and jets requiring replacement in the next 20 years. » With this in mind, combined with growth, EVIO predicts « demand for more than 7,500 units in this category in the next two decades. »

EVIO is hoping to fill a gap in the world’s shrinking fleet of regional aircraft. Indeed, the firm explains that « over the past five years, approximately 2,650 regional aircraft have been retired due to rising operational and maintenance costs, while only about 750 new aircraft have entered service. » This, it notes, represents a 27% overall reduction, despite the fact that flights under 500 miles account for around 47% of global flights every single day.

Friends In High Places

EVIO isn’t alone in its attempts to bring its 810 concept to life, with US planemaking juggernaut Boeing among those lending support to the Canadian firm in this initiative. The American manufacturer will specifically support EVIO on the investment and technical side of things, with Boeing Canada President Al Meinzinger calling the 810 « an example of the promising innovation in the country’s aerospace sector. »

As far as the propulsion technology is concerned, EVIO will be teaming up with Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop engines for its 810 hybrid-electric regional airliner. Scott McElvaine, the RTX engine manufacturer’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, welcomed the partnership, saying that « this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to advance the potential of novel hybrid-electric aircraft architectures. »