It is now possible to fly 160 kilometers on just over $5 thanks to the Pipistrel Alpha Electro, an ultra-light electric aircraft weighing in at only 300 kilograms. The plane can fly for one hour carrying up to two passengers costing them between $2-$3 each in electricity cost before having to recharge again. The price for one is set at $140,000.
The Pipistrel Alpha Electro is the world’s first serially produced ultra-light aircraft with an electric motor. The initial prototype of the Slovenia-manufactured aircraft was recently launched in 2016. Nevertheless, company representative Krzysztof Będkowski believes we’ll be seeing more electric aircrafts in commercial use within 15 years.
The aircraft runs off a 100kg 21-kilowatt-per-hour battery that can charge up in roughly an hour. The battery powers a 60-kilowatt electric engine. 40 of these planes have been produced for customers across Europe, the US, and Australia so far. At the moment, the aircraft is primarily being used for flying lessons over the airport.
The reason there aren’t more aircraft carriers like this one is the lack of infrastructure for charging at airports. If all airports had charging ports it would make it possible for people to use electric airplanes regularly. For now, there aren’t many places people can fly to because of this fundamental problem. But, it is an issue they are tackling, as Będkowski assured:
The first charger networks for aircraft carriers like these have recently been established in Switzerland. We’re accruing experience that we can later use to plan instructional flights along the way.
The makers of the aircraft found it performs better during evening flights when there’s less chance of turbulence — and it also performs better when there’s only one passenger aboard.
Krzysztof Bedkowski said:
We’re flying using the same aerodynamics principles, using similar technologies, and facing similar problems. It’s possible that what we learn from testing ultra-light electric aircraft will also be used in the future by bigger commercial aircraft manufacturers.
