All-Electric Plane Sets New Speed Record

While electric cars have become mainstream and affordable, electric airplanes are just getting started. However, with airplanes being the world's biggest emitters of Carbon Dioxide, the quest for an all-electric plane is being pursued in earnest.

The biggest problem in developing electrical engines for airplanes is finding a source of power that can travel at a rapid speed for long periods of time, without needing to recharge.

Earlier this week, SkySpark, an all-electric plane powered by a 75KW electric motor and lithium batteries, made history by reaching a top speed of 155mph (250km/h). The plane flown by European Astronaut Maurizio Cheli took off from Turin, italy and stayed in the air for a total of eight minutes.

While that may seem really slow compared to a normal aircraft, it was considered a huge leap forward for electric planes.

The flight was part of the series of tests in preparation for the next challenge -  retrofitting the engine with hydrogen-fuel cells, which may be able to go at faster speeds and travel longer distances.

While we may be years away from an all-electric commercial airline, it is exciting that we are moving in the right direction.

Sources:gas2.org,treehugger.com,greendiary.com