Dutch startup Elysian is developing a fully electric 90-passenger regional aircraft called the E9X with an estimated flight range of 500 miles.
The plane has an unconventional design with a large 138-foot wingspan and eight propeller engines placed in the wings. This design is aimed at maximizing the range achievable with existing battery technology.
Key features include placing the batteries in the wings for better weight distribution, thinner fuselage for improved aerodynamics, and wingtips that can fold up.
The goal is to achieve a climate impact 75-90% lower than current jets through the electric power source and more efficient design.
Elysian aims to build a scale model in 2-3 years and a full-size prototype by 2030, with the goal of commercial flights within a decade. This could open up routes to underserved regional airports.
Compared to industry estimates, Elysian’s design claims it can achieve over double the flight range expected from electric planes using near-future battery technology through its optimization approach.
The plane is expected to offer a quieter passenger experience while potentially facing challenges in quick turnaround times for charging.
Source: CNN
