There are about 170 different electrically-propelled aircraft programs in development worldwide, up 50% since April 2018, according to consulting firm Roland Berger. BC’s Harbour Air achieved flight with one this week. In the process, it slashed fuel costs from $300-$400 per 100-miles to $4 to $10. The initial model can fly 60 minutes on one charge (most of Harbour Air’s flights are 25 minutes or less). Focus will continue on extending flight time capacity. See: Fossil Fuel-Free Air Travel Gets Closer With a Short Electric Flight.
The electric Beaver is theoretically cheaper to maintain than its combustion engine predecessor, too. Electric motors are sealed units, with a minimum of moving parts.
…The near-term is likely to see a generation of hybrid aircraft, pairing electric and conventional power systems along with smaller all-electric craft. Larger, fully-electric aircraft are still about a decade off.
The propeller aircraft, a six-passenger de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver prototype, was powered by a magniX magni500 electric motor and piloted by Harbour Air Chief Executive Officer Greg McDougall.
Also see: All systems go: 1st all-electric seaplane takes flight in B.C.
It was a small but significant step in the broader quest to replace fossil fuel-powered aircraft. Here is a direct video link.
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