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, which promise double the range and flight times compared to conventional electric vehicle batteries.
The new solid-state batteries offer superior energy density (410 Wh/kg), faster charging (under 15 minutes to 80%), and enhanced safety with reduced fire risk and increased resistance to damage compared to lithium-ion batteries.
This technological advancement is considered vital for the viability of commercial electric aviation and is expected to enable Helios Horizon to achieve stratospheric flights 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.