Electric planes? Way to go

The aviation industry has been exploring electric propulsion as a way to reduce emissions, operating costs, and reliance on fossil fuels. One early demonstration of this shift was showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where a battery-powered aircraft successfully completed a public flight.

The aircraft, known as the eFusion, was developed by German engineering firm Siemens. It demonstrated that fully electric propulsion could be applied to lightweight aircraft, achieving flight durations of approximately 30 minutes and top speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h).

While early electric aircraft such as the eFusion were limited in range and endurance, they provided valuable insight into battery performance, power electronics, and electric motor efficiency under real flight conditions. These demonstrations helped inform later research into hybrid-electric and fully electric aviation concepts.

Today, electric propulsion continues to be explored for training aircraft, urban air mobility platforms, and short-range aviation, where reduced noise and lower operating costs offer clear advantages. The eFusion project remains an important milestone in the broader transition toward electrification in transportation.

View the original BBC coverage