Helios Horizon Reaches New Milestone With Solid-State Batteries

Company makes history with recent test flights in Florida.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, June 08, 2026 at 12:35 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Helios Horizon aircraft [Credit: Helios Horizon]

Key Takeaways:

Helios Horizon achieved the first human-piloted flight of an electric airplane powered by solid-state batteries on June 5, demonstrating double the range and flight times compared to conventional electric-vehicle batteries.
Solid-state batteries offer significant advantages, including greater energy density (410 Wh/kg vs. 260 Wh/kg for lithium-ion), faster charging (80% in under 15 minutes), reduced fire risk, and enhanced resistance to damage and overheating.
The aircraft, based on a modified Pipistrel Taurus with unique power management systems, aims to enable commercially viable electric aviation and achieve stratospheric flights over 40,000 feet on a single charge.

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Helios Horizon made aviation history on June 5 with the first flight of a human-piloted electric airplane powered by solid-state batteries. According to the company, the batteries provide double the range and flight times possible with conventional electric-vehicle batteries.

Founder and chief test pilot Miguel Iturmendi designed the Helios Horizon aircraft around a Pipistrel Taurus airframe. The aircraft is equipped with “unique systems for power delivery, battery management, propulsion and thermodynamic control,” the company said. The airframe was also modified with wing extensions and solar panels.