5 facts about electric aeroplanes
(Image credit: Alec Wilson/ Wikimedia Commons)
1. Flying locally
There is a big demand for small electric planes: 2 billion tickets are sold each year for flights shorter than 800 kilometres.
2. Centuries of progress
Although the use of electric-powered aircraft is on the rise, the invention is not new. This type of flight was first tested in the 1800s.
3. Limited distance
It may be a long wait before you can fly from the UK to Australia, electrically. The current drawback
in e-aircraft advancement is its use for long-haul flights. This is due to aircraft size.
4. The damage of flying
The emissions per person on a non-electric flight from London to New York is roughly the same as a person in Europe heating their home for a year.
5. A more comfortable journey
Switching to electric planes has advantages for passengers. Cheaper tickets, quieter travel and speedier climbs all come as a result of electric engines.
For more science and technology articles, pick up the latest copy of How It Works from all good retailers or from our website now. If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also download the digital version onto your iOS or Android device. To make sure you never miss an issue of How It Works magazine, subscribe today!
