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
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!
The Size of These Building Projects Will Boggle Your Mind
The vision and ambition of some world leaders is truly staggering. These huge infrastructure projects cost billions and try things never attempted before.
A Vacation in the Clouds: a Nuclear Powered Airplane Hotel
This hotel takes off and never lands. The best part? It can stay airborne for several years.
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.
The Story of the Only Aircraft Built With Pivoting Wings
Did you know NASA once tested pivoting wing technology?
The Three Most Recommended Android Phones for 2024
Our goal was to ensure a representative selection across different price brackets and specific user requirements, offering something for every potential buyer.
Is This the Most Luxurious Train in World?
The Japanese train we’re about to show you is unlike any other public transportation you’ve seen.
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!
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
Paul Allen's Collection of WWII Planes Is Staggering!
This amazing group of planes was amassed by billionaire Paul Allen. These incredibly rare WWII fighters can be enjoyed by the general public. Take a look.
These Ships Make Sure You Travel the Seas in Style
If you're a fan of travel, then you won't want to miss this video on the craziest cruise-ships ever made
Rolling Sculptures: The Most Beautiful Art Deco Cars Ever
The art deco era arguably gave rise to the most beautiful cars ever built. Let's take a journey back in time and see 12 of these extraordinary vehicles.
These 17 Beautiful Vintage Cars Are a Treat to the Eyes
Fan of vintage cars? Then you will love this collection.
15 of the World's Most Beautiful Historic Race Cars
These race cars weren't only effective on track, they also happen to be absolutely stunning to look at. Here are 15 of the most beautiful race cars ever.
These Fascinating 1950s Cars Should Have Been Released!
Amazing cars that were made in the 50s, but were never released to the general public.
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.
The 10 Worst Jet Airplanes Ever to Fly...
From the farcical, to the catastrophic and downright dangerous, these are the 10 worst jet airplanes ever.
These Cars from the 40s and 50s Are Still Beautiful to Me
These classic US Cars of the 40s and 50s will make you feel nostalgic.
Each of These Rare Cars is More Beautiful Than the Last...
Each of these rare cars is more beautiful than the last.
17 Bizarre Autos That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
Explore the world of weird cars that defy the norms of automotive design.
Look Ma, No Eyes: How Self-Driving Cars "See" Obstacles
The technology that allows self-driving cars to detect and navigate around obstacles
"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!
This Daredevil Motorcyclist Will Leave You Petrified!
Get ready to watch one of the most dangerous acts ever performed on TV, as a stunt motorcyclist performs a dangerous routine around Howie Mandel.
These Cold-War Military Jets Are Amazing Pieces of Work
These airplanes saw action during the extremely tense cold war. Looking at how big and powerful they are, it's a god send things didn't spiral out of control!
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.
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?
The 60s Had Some of the Most Beautiful Car Designs Ever
The 1960s were an era of great music, beautiful fashion and absolutely gorgeous cars.
Fixing a Car Has Never Been Easier Thanks to This Guide
Discover how to diagnose and fix 16 common car problems thanks to the awesome video guides.
These Timeless Campervans Are Classics of Their Era
There is no greater sense of freedom than hitting the road in a campervan, and some people still prefer to ride in the old classics.
Maintain Your Car's Value Longer With These Top Tips
Cars often decrease in value over the years, but these tips will ensure that your car value will be maintained.
Has There Ever Been a Greater Era For Beautiful Cars?
These have been many great automotive eras, but the 21st Century has seen many technologically incredible and truly beautiful cars released. Here is the top 10.
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
The Story of the Only Aircraft Built With Pivoting Wings
Did you know NASA once tested pivoting wing technology?
The Dubious History of the Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is a special vehicle and it has a long and very complicated history...
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.
Exploring 5 of the Most Famous Pilots in History
The fascinating stories of men and women who dared to explore flight when it was still a young technology.
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 Classic Beauties Are Unbelievably Pricey and Rare
Each year, many a beautiful car changes hands, but some are the creme de la creme of the entire world. Here they are for your viewing pleasure, all in one place
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 Bus-Train: A Game-Changer in Public Transportation
Hop aboard the 'Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV)' – a bus that can transform into a train.
7 Monstrously Massive Machines You Won’t Believe Are Real
What is the largest vehicle in the world? Here are some monstrous examples.
The Exquisite Car Making of Eras Gone By...
Fortunately for all you car aficionados we gathered images of many of the museum's cars so that you can see these incredible masterpieces of mechanical work for yourself.
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.
What a $130 Million Car Collection Looks Like...
This British man sold an incredible collection of cars worth over $130m...
This Subway Train Has a Beautiful Secret Inside...
What looks like a regular subway from the outside, offers a suddenly luxurious experience inside!
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
Working for Years, This Student Built Something Incredible
he following pictures showcase Luca's exceptional talent and the incredible model he built of a Boeing 777