Harbour Air showcases electric Beavers at EAA AirVenture amid rain disruption

Further research and ground simulator testing revealed that a commercially viable electric airplane should be feasible. “We performed almost 90 flights exploring the performance of the aircraft,” Holtz stated. Findings showed that while the original Beaver needed 62% of its maximum power to fly level at 5,600 pounds, the eBeaver required only 41%, thanks to reduced drag from sleeker cowling and more efficient propeller design. This led to achieving a 33-minute flight duration suitable for many short-range routes offered by Harbour Air.

“Anybody who's flown a Beaver knows that it does not really like to climb,” Holtz noted. “Our climb performance is spectacular.” Additionally, noise levels have been significantly reduced by about 20 decibels during every phase of flight due to slower spinning and shorter propellers.

The electric installation modernizes the older design considerably. Batteries are installed in front of the firewall, under the floor, and behind passengers. The instrument panel remains nearly original but includes instruments suited for electric power.

The radial flux magni650 motor operates without a reduction gearbox as shaft rpm ranges between 1,900 and 2,300. Cooling solutions developed by MagniX use ordinary turbine engine oil circulated by a Crane Aerospace mechanical pump attached to the motor housing.

MagniX aims to certify its electric propulsion system under Part 33 regulations by submitting white papers covering compliance methods. “We’re developing test plans and running them to see if they work,” said Riona Armesmith, MagniX's chief technical officer.

“We're finishing our experimental development vehicle,” added Holtz from Harbour Air. The company continues refining battery system architectures based on lessons learned from experimental models in preparation for certifying modifications aimed at decarbonizing their existing fleet through a sustainable aviation hub in Vancouver.

While electricity costs for operating an eBeaver are minimal—a recent 34-minute flight cost just $6—direct operating costs remain similar between traditional Beavers and eBeavers due primarily to fuel prices and battery cycle life considerations.

Holtz concluded: "Over the next couple of years...in BC we'll be seeing $3 a liter for fuel so direct operating costs are going to even out pretty good."