Aircraft overview

The Pipistrel Velis Electro is a two-seat, all-electric light aircraft built by Pipistrel in Slovenia, now part of Textron eAviation. Certified by EASA in 2020, it became the first fully electric aircraft to receive type certification. The model is closely related to Pipistrel’s Virus SW 121 airframe, but the Velis Electro is a distinct certified electric trainer with its own powertrain, battery system and operating limitations. Its main role is circuit training, short local instruction and familiarisation flying, where low noise, simple energy management and reduced local emissions are central to its appeal.

Performance & specifications

The Velis Electro is powered by a Pipistrel E-811 electric motor rated at about 57.6 kW maximum power, supplied by two liquid-cooled lithium battery packs. Maximum takeoff weight is 1,323 lb. Typical cruise performance is around 90 knots, depending on power setting, aircraft loading and operating profile. Published endurance is about 50 minutes, with a reserve requirement for day VFR training operations, so the aircraft is best understood by endurance and mission profile rather than by long cross-country range. Service ceiling is listed at 12,000 feet. Buyers should review the aircraft’s exact approved flight manual, since electric aircraft performance is closely tied to temperature, battery state of charge, battery health and local operating procedures.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin has two side-by-side seats, dual controls and a compact trainer layout similar in feel to other Pipistrel light aircraft. Visibility is good for training use, and the low vibration level of the electric drivetrain is a notable operational difference from piston trainers. Avionics vary by aircraft and market, but typical equipment centers on light-aircraft VFR instrumentation rather than integrated suites such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Many aircraft include a dedicated Pipistrel engine and battery information display, conventional flight instruments or electronic flight displays, radio, transponder and navigation equipment appropriate to local certification and school requirements.

Buying & value

Used Velis Electro buyers should focus on battery condition, charging history, remaining approved life of battery components, software status, maintenance records and evidence of operation within the approved temperature and energy limits. Confirm charger compatibility, availability of local support and whether the aircraft has any factory service bulletins, avionics updates or training-organization modifications. The model has limited variant spread compared with conventional trainers, so value is driven more by battery age, total cycles, airframe hours and included ground equipment than by trim differences. Current PlaneFox listing data places typical asking prices around EUR 135,000, with observed examples ranging from about EUR 95,000 to EUR 181,000. In the used market, it usually sits as a specialist electric trainer rather than a general touring aircraft.