Battery-powered planes ‘to f ly from London to Paris’

A BATTERY-powered commercial flight from London to Paris could be launched in a decade.

The plane would carry 150 people on journeys under 300 miles.

Wright Electric, the Silicon Valley start-up developing the technology, says it would allow airlines to offer cheaper flights because they would not have to pay for fuel. Electric planes would also be quieter and cut pollution.

EasyJet described the technology as ‘exciting’ and said it has already talked to Wright Electric to offer an airline’s perspective.

But the ambitious plan has also faced scepticism as it would require dramatic advances in battery technology. Most electric cars typically have a range of just 100 to 150 miles before they have to be recharged.

While small electric planes exist, Graham Warwick, technology editor of Aviation Weekly, said technology for a battery capable of powering a passenger jet was a ‘long way away’. Dr Paul Robertson, electrical engineering lec- turer at Cambridge University, said: ‘The main limitation is the batteries. But if technology continues to improve at the current rate, it is just about feasible.’

But he added: ‘Ten years is not a long time if you’re starting from a blank piece of paper and trying to make an aircraft of this size. At some point in the future all planes will be powered by electricity.’

Wright Electric is not the first to try to build an electric plane. American inventor Chip Yates created one that flies at up to 220 miles per hour. Aviation giant Airbus is also developing an electric two-seater plane and aims to create a short-haul electric commercial plane seating 90 passengers.

Wright Electric said its goal is to make all short-haul flights electric powered within 20 years.

Batteries would be charged separately so planes would not have to sit out on the tarmac while they are repowered.