The electric era is boldly expanding in the automotive world now, but cars are not the only vehicles to get touched by the green current - aircrafts are also important fuel burners and the industry hasn’t forgot about them. Airbus’ new E-Fan is setting a new milestone in green flight.
Airbus Group’s E-Fan electric plane made its first flight last month, successfully setting another step towards emissions-free flying. The company has plans to produce and market a whole line of electric and hybrid aircrafts under the VoltAir brand, so soon enough more people will have access to flying machines.
Comparably, a normal gas-powered small plane will cost you around $55 worth of fuel for the same amount the E-Fan can go with only $16. It’s powered by lithium-polymer batteries that provide around 45 minutes to one hour of air time with a top speed of 136 mph (220 km/h).
The E-Fan is also using advanced energy management systems to conserve power, and recharging is said to last for about an hour. Currently, Airbus sees its utility for flight lessons or acrobatics, where flight time is not crucial. Future technology will allow for better batteries and increased range on production models.
Although humanity is experimenting with electric flight since 1883 on balloons/zeppelins, the E-Fan might be the first one to enter mass-production. Moreover, the company is planning another model with room for two passengers and even a bigger one for four which will use a hybrid drivetrain.
The E-Fan is also using advanced energy management systems to conserve power, and recharging is said to last for about an hour. Currently, Airbus sees its utility for flight lessons or acrobatics, where flight time is not crucial. Future technology will allow for better batteries and increased range on production models.
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