Earlier this month, Heart Aerospace announced that its X1 demonstrator became the largest, and possibly one of the most efficient, battery-electric aircraft to take to the skies.
Here's what to know
On Aug. 12, Heart Aerospace carried out the X1 demonstrator's first test flight at Plattsburgh International Airport. The electricity for the 30-minute flight cost just about $5.
About the size of a small regional airliner, according to Ars Technica, the X1 has a maximum takeoff weight of more than 25,000 pounds and uses four electric motors mounted on its wings.
During the aircraft's first trip, the all-electric propulsion system produced more than one megawatt of power as the X1 soared to 1,100 feet above ground level.
More background
Jet fuel prices are spiking due to geopolitical tensions, including with continued fallout from the war in Ukraine and the war in Iran. According to the company's press release, jet fuel prices were up 63% year over year the week of Aug. 7 at $3.50 per gallon.
As Ars Technica noted, electric flights are typically limited to no more than 100 to 200 miles, so significant innovation and testing would likely be required for Heart Aerospace to commercialize its technology for regional flights.
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Still, major carriers like United Airlines and Air Canada are invested in its ES-30 aircraft. That might mean quieter, more affordable air travel could be coming down the pipeline with less potential for fuel-related disruptions.
Aviation also remains one of the hardest sectors to clean up. Electric regional aircraft could mean less local air pollution around airports.
What are people saying?
A test flight will not transform aviation overnight, but it could mean the industry is heading toward aircraft that are powered by cleaner, more capable technology more often.
Michael Leskinen, chief financial officer of United Airlines, said in Heart Aerospace's press release, "Electric commercial aircraft have real potential to deliver a better travel experience for passengers while strengthening our business, and we look forward to Heart's continued development of the ES-30 and its potential future role in United's network."
"Electric commercial aircraft have the potential to fundamentally reshape airline economics and, ultimately, lower the cost of air travel for passengers. This is at the heart of our vision for abundant air travel, with electrification enabling more affordable, frequent, and cleaner air service to and from airports closer to home," said Anders Forslund, Founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace.
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