With Significant Operations in Moses Lake, Electric Aviation Startup Eviation Faces Collapse | Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE – The pioneering zero-emissions electric airplane startup, Eviation, headquartered in Arlington, Washington with significant operations in Moses Lake, faced a severe setback this month due to escalating internal conflicts among its shareholders. The company, known for its innovative 9-passenger electric aircraft, Alice, which captured attention during its first flight in Moses Lake in 2022, has now indefinitely paused all operations.

The internal strife peaked when Clermont Group, a Singapore-based investment company led by billionaire Richard Chandler and majority owner with a 70% stake in Eviation, issued a stern ultimatum to the Israeli co-founders. The group demanded they relinquish control or face cessation of financial support for 2025. The founders’ refusal led Chandler to halt the funding, effectively grounding the company and leading to substantial layoffs.

Eviation’s implosion represents a significant blow to Washington state’s ambitions to become a hub for green aviation technology. The company had briefly sparked excitement with the debut of Alice at the Grant County International Airport.

AeroTEC, a key partner based in Moses Lake, played a critical role in the development and testing of Eviation’s electric aircraft, Alice. They were responsible for leading the flight tests and the certification process for Alice at the Grant County International Airport. AeroTEC’s involvement was instrumental in preparing Alice for its potential entry into the commercial aviation market, providing essential aerospace testing and engineering services tailored to meet the regulatory standards required for new aircraft types.

Their collaboration with Eviation aimed to bring Alice, as a pioneering zero-emission electric aircraft, through the necessary steps to prove its viability and safety in operational environments. This partnership not only showcased AeroTEC’s capabilities in handling innovative aviation technologies but also positioned Moses Lake as a significant player in the advancement of electric aviation.

In response to the internal deadlock, Clermont Group has expressed a continued belief in the future of conventional takeoff and landing electric airplanes and is actively seeking new strategic partnerships to keep the program afloat. Meanwhile, the founders hold onto veto powers that have, according to Clermont, led to “serious governance issues” threatening the company’s viability.

As the situation unfolds, the future of Eviation and its impact on the electric aviation industry remains uncertain, with stakeholders deeply divided and the pioneering aircraft grounded. 

Source: Seattle Times