I recently had the opportunity to fly the Pipistrel Velis Electro in Switzerland. I was interested because I wondered about its efficacy for early pilot training, including pattern work, for use by my school for my students. To make a long story short, I was disappointed.
Several thing about this aircraft make it a non-starter for me. Each take-off consumes about 18% of the battery capacity. Combine that with a requirement to not allow the battery to drop below 30% charge and you end up being able to make three, maybe four, circuits before having to terminate and recharge, something that takes over an hour.
In addition, this is a very slick airplane with limited ability to increase drag. Flaps have only a small effect on overall drag and pulling the power lever all the way back reduces thrust but does not increase drag since the electric motor is no load on the windmilling prop. The end result is a final approach that is very “flat” with a very tight approach airspeed range. Be even slightly fast and you will float for a thousand feet (or more). One can clearly see the Velis’ glider lineage. Unfortunately they left off the spoilers.
So, while I found the Velis a very interesting airplane to fly, I feel that it would be too unusual and limited for the new student. I declare it, “not ready for prime time,” at least for my school.