10 December 2025
UPDATE: Flying an electric aircraft across the USA has been done – by Solar Impulse in 2016 – but that was a one-off special prototype.
Now a production aircraft, the H55 electric powered Bristell B23 Energic, is to attempt a cross-country tour from Florida to California, then back north-east to New York.
The Bristell B23 Energic is certified by EASA. From April to August 2025, the Bristell will be giving real-world electric flight demonstrations at key aviation events including Sun ‘n Fun in Florida and EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin.
“We pioneered electric aviation with Solar Impulse, crossing the US in 2016 during our flight around the world,” said Andre Borschberg, H55 co-founder and executive chairman.
“Now we’re back‚ not with a prototype, but with an aircraft to be commercialised, with deliveries starting a next year. The B23 Energic is bringing electric flight to pilot training and general aviation.”
The B23 Energic is aimed at flight schools, aero clubs, military academies and private pilots, powered by H55’s certified electric propulsion and battery technology.
“Aviation is at a turning point,” said Kristen Jurn, H55’s US sales manager.
“Electrification isn’t coming‚ it’s here. This tour is about more than showcasing an aircraft. It’s about proving electric aviation is ready for scale. As a pilot, I believe the US market, known for embracing innovation, will respond strongly to a solution that delivers both performance and efficiency.”
H55 Bristell B23 Energic at Oshkosh. Photo: H55
H55 completed its landmark 8-state ‘Across America’ tour in August 2025 in an electric aircraft.
The tour introduced H55’s Electric Propulsion System (EPS) that powers the Bristell B23 Energic to flight schools, aircraft owners, professional pilots, aviation universities, the US Air Force, aviation enthusiasts and industry stakeholders.
Over a four-month period, the aircraft completed 192 all-electric passenger flights, visiting 25 airports across Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and New York.
“During the tour, I met countless pilots who joined us for demonstration flights,” said André Borschberg, H55 Co-Founder and Executive Chairman.
“The smiles on their faces as they stepped out of the airplane said it all. The advantages of electric aviation were immediately clear to every passenger — no noise, no vibration, no emissions, reduced maintenance, and minimal downtime—an unforgettable experience.
“Some pilots were so convinced they placed orders on the spot.
“Our U.S. tour proved two things beyond doubt: electric aviation, and especially the B23, delivers exactly what flight schools are looking for—and it already exceeds the expectations of many private and professional pilots.”
Centennial Flyers plans to field Colorado’s first all-electric training fleet after ordering six H55-powered Bristell B23 Energic aircraft, marking H55’s first U.S. fleet deal. Centennial Flyers says the aircraft will give students access to “the most technologically advanced…
— GAMA (@GAManufacturers) December 15, 2025
H55’s battery packs are undergoing certification with EASA. Photo: H55
Gregory Blatt, H55 Co-Founder, said, “In four and half months, we completed 192 passenger flights without a single technical issue. Not once did we have to cancel a flight.
“In fact, the tour allowed us to expand the flight envelope, operating in conditions we had never experienced before — from extreme heat to high-altitude airports — all without downtime.”
