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  • 31 Dec, 2024

China is testing its first electric plane.

A two-seat, single-engine plane has completed its first short-haul flight.

China's first domestic electric plane successfully completed its first flight this week, Chinese media reported on Friday.

The AG60E, developed by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Corporation, took off from Jiangde Qiandaohu Airport in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday. Citing the manufacturer, China Daily reported that it landed at the same airport after a short test flight.

The AG60E is an electrically modified version of the AG60, a single-engine, two-seat side-by-side, all-metal light aircraft. AG60 is designed for civil purposes, such as training, agriculture, and broadcasting.

The total length is 6.9 meters at AG60E and 8.6 meters and 185 km / h with wings depending on Xinhua. The development of an electric version of the fixed-wing aircraft is a strategic addition to the growing industry, the manufacturer told the press.

Electric aircraft are typically equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and electric motors, which are notorious for CO2 emissions, instead of jet fuel. Alternative energy sources include solar power or hybrids, some electric, and some internal combustion engines.

Electric airplanes are also being developed in other countries. The prototype of the world's first all-electric commuter plane, built by Israel's Eviation, completed its maiden voyage in Washington in September 2022.

Rolls-Royce is launching the world's fastest all-electric aircraft in 2021. AutoFlight, a global high-tech startup originating in China with manufacturing and testing facilities in Shanghai, has developed an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Airbus in Europe has also been working on an electric flight project since 2010.