An American company has set itself quite an ambitious goal – to ensure that all “short hop” passenger flights are zero-emissions by the mid-2030s. The aptly-named Wright Electric is currently seeking investors to fund the design and construction of a small, 150-seat passenger aircraft that’s capable of flying 300 miles – roughly the distance between Boston and New York. The startup company is banking on battery technology continuing to develop at its current rapid rate. The ECO-150R, as the proposed electric plane has been named, is intended to slot into the market that is largely occupied by Boeing’s ubiquitous 737 airliner.
Around 30% of all commercial airline flights are short-haul, flying between destinations roughly 300 miles apart. The global short-haul market is worth some $26 billion annually, but this bold little company isn’t the only one that has spotted an opportunity to put a zero-emissions plane into service.
Aviation giant Airbus has had its own all-electric airplane, the E-Fan, in development since 2014. Granted, the E-Fan will only be an 80 or 90-seater upon completion, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Airbus already has a massive head start over Wright Electric.
There is, however, a contingency plan that Wright Electric will execute, should the battery technology it is reliant on not be developed at the rate it needs it to, and this involves turning the ECO-150R into a hybrid rather than an all-electric plane. Despite the big gamble that the company is taking, there has already been interest from EasyJet, a low-cost, short-haul airline that primarily services European routes.
According to several media reports, the British-flagged carrier is actively engaged in discussions with Wright Electric in order to provide an airline’s perspective on the development of the ECO-150R. The company is also drumming up interest from the private sector, with a billionaire who reportedly already owns four private jets making an enquiry as to the possibility of him purchasing an ECO-150R to sit alongside them.
If you’re wondering how the “refueling” of an electric plane would work, Wright Electric plans for its design to contain several modular battery packs that can quickly be removed and replaced from the plane when it's being turned around ahead of its return leg to its destination of origin.
The benefits that could be reaped if this huge ambition is realized include a saving of about 400 gallons of aviation fuel for each 300-mile trip made, as well as emitting zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Content Source: International Business Times
Images by Deposit Photos
How to Maximize Productivity With Study Planner Apps
These apps are designed to help students organize their study schedules, track their progress, and ultimately achieve their academic goals with greater ease.
7 Tips for Teaching Seniors How to Use Technology
These 7 tips will help seniors to really embrace helpful technologies.
Whoa! This $21,000 First Class Airplane Seat is Insane!
One lucky guy got upgraded by Emirates to 1st Class. You won't believe how incredibly luxurious this flight is!
Fascinating! The Physics Behind Flights Explained!
This video gives you a bird's eye view into how our modern day flights came to be the incredible structures they are now.
Soon You Might be Traveling in This Autonomous Flying Taxi
Volocopter’s flying taxi prototype took its very first US flight at CES 2018 thanks to a new partnership with Intel. Check it out here in this short video.
Look Ma, No Eyes: How Self-Driving Cars "See" Obstacles
The technology that allows self-driving cars to detect and navigate around obstacles
Cadzilla: One of the Most Beautiful Cars Ever Made!
This may be the most beautiful Cadillac car.
These Are the Strangest Vehicles I've Ever Laid Eyes On.
From a five person bike to giant monstrosities, these are some of the wildest designs for vehicles we've ever seen! Take a look!
The Bus-Train: A Game-Changer in Public Transportation
Hop aboard the 'Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV)' – a bus that can transform into a train.
Meet the World’s Most Advanced and Lethal Fighter Jets
These fighter jets are masters of the skies.
Need for Speed – France's Record-Breaking SUPERFAST Train
We’ve all heard of the Japanese bullet trains, but did you know about the TGV – France’s super fast trains?
These Gadgets Will Make Your Car a Lot More Fun
Wouldn’t it be awesome to have one of these cool car accessories?
A ROYAL History of the Rolls-Royce Car
For 119 years, Rolls-Royce has exemplified a unique blend of creativity, invention, and luxury.
These Remarkable Cars Broke the Land Speed Record!
Having broken the speed of sound, designers are developing a car designed to travel at 1000 mph. Here are the other cars that have broken the land speed record.
The Car, the Star: 12 Famous Cars From Movies and TV
There were many famous cars in movies and TV over the years, but some stand out above all the others. Here are the 12 most famous ever to grace our screens.
Collection: The Airplanes That Conquered the Skies
Before you are 10 posts that will each take you to a world of airplanes, so you get a wide range of fascinating planes to learn about!
How Would It Feel To Drive The World's First Car? Find Out
Looking at vintage cars is fascinating, isn't it? Here you will get to see what it feels like to drive the replica of the world's first car.
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
The Germans Really Knew How to Build Fine Supercars...
The Germans are renowned the world over for their engineering, but sometimes they just go completely mad. Here are 11 of the most incredible German supercars.
13 Lesser-Known Car Facts That May Surprise You
We're so used to cars that we sometimes forget that their history is incredibly interesting.
Do You Know the Most Important Airplanes Ever?
The invention of human flight, and the progress made ever since then has seen many a significant airplane. Here are 14 of the most important in history.
History's 7 Oldest Vehicles You Must Know About
Here is a look at some of history's oldest vehicles. While their designs may not appeal to us today, they certainly have great significance.
Oh Dear! How Did THAT Happen?
35 Awesome photos of people with no parking skills what so ever...
The Fighting Elite: 10 Modern and Dangerous Tanks!
These are the 10 most advanced war machines you can find on the battlefield around the world.
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
The Story of the Only Aircraft Built With Pivoting Wings
Did you know NASA once tested pivoting wing technology?
I Thought I'd Seen it All... Until I Saw These Cars...
These owners must have spent a fortune putting their strange creations together on wheels.
Discover the Delights of the Darjeeling Line In India
The intrepid explorer, Mark Twain, took this train journey on his travels through Asia during the late 19th Century. Come and explore this enchanting railway.
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here
Ancient Wheels: 15 of the Oldest Vehicles in Human History
Check out these amazingly cool retro automobiles.
All Aboard the Fastest Steam Trains in Locomotive History!
Who doesn't feel a child-like nostalgic thrill when encountering a great, big steam engine? And these are the 18 fastest in locomotive history. Enjoy!
11 Forgotten Standard Car Features We Don't Use Anymore
Would you want these old car features to be brought back?
20 Most Unusual Vehicles You Won't Believe Actually Exist
So, which one of these weird cars would you like to drive?
These 12 Beautiful Cars Are Literally One of a Kind
There are only one each of these beautiful, classic cars.
12 of the Weirdest Things Car Mechanics Saw on the Job
Turns out car mechanics regularly spot all kinds of crazy things on the job. Take a look at these 12 highlights
These Are the Most Incredible Trains Ever Built
While many trains in operation today are no more than a means of very mundane transport, these 10 amazing trains will be remembered forever.
The Very First Models of Famous Car Brands
Photos of the first models of these 10 well-known car manufacturers, so you can get an idea of where they came from and where they are now...
These Incredible Racing Cars Take Me Way Back!
Whether we are racing fans or not, certain racing cars are iconic for one reason or another. Here are 14 of the most iconic racing cars of all time.
10 of The Most Unusual Vehicles You Will Ever See
An odd or unusual vehicle stands out in the crowd. Here we look at some of the weirdest vehicles ever made.
These 17 Beautiful Vintage Cars Are a Treat to the Eyes
Fan of vintage cars? Then you will love this collection.
Takeoff to Touchdown: The Science of Flight Explained!
Ever wondered how do planes actually fly? This video explains it all in the simplest way possible.
The Golden Age of Two Wheels: Exploring Classic Motorbikes
Today, let’s ride back to the past and explore some of the most iconic motorcycles in history.
These Are the 10 of the Fastest Trains On the Planet...
Trains are a huge part of how we get things from place to place. But which are the fastest, and why is that?
You Feel like Royalty Inside These 10 Exotic Trains
Hop aboard some of the most luxurious train rides of the world in this video.
Presenting 15 of the Biggest Airplanes Ever Built
These are the biggest and juiciest airplanes every piloted. I bet you'd love to ride on one of these beauties!
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.