[RJon]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/w...-far-gwc8567vx

Non-polluting air travel has come a step closer after the European aviation regulator granted the world’s first approval of an all-electric aircraft.

The plane manufactured by Pipistrel, a pioneer in electric flight, is a two-seater intended for pilot training and could clear the way for battery-powered planes to be used commercially.

The certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency follows the take-off in the United States last month of a larger experimental electric plane that could carry a dozen people. “This is the first electric aircraft Easa has certified, but it won’t be the last,” Patrick Ky, the chief executive of Easa, said.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro, which was evaluated by Easa for three years, performs like a conventional light trainer, cruising at 100mph with its electric motor driving a propeller. It emits no gases and makes little noise but its batteries can keep it aloft for only an hour. A liquid cooling system prevents the motor and batteries from overheating.

Pipistrel, based in Slovenia, expects to produce 31 this year with more than 120 on order, mainly for flight schools.