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