#electric-aviation

#electric-aviation

Alia had flown 100 miles (160km) in 55 minutes on battery power alone. Built by US aerospace company Beta Technologies, the electric plane is designed for cargo operations - carrying up to 560kg (half a tonne) loads. The flight had simulated a planned cargo route between the coastal cities of Stavanger and Bergen, and for the next few months test-flights will be carried out, as part of the country's move towards establishing low-emission aviation.

Alef Aeronautics received approval to begin flying car tests at Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports this week, a step closer toward commercial production for what the San Mateo-based startup calls the world's first flying car. The company will start testing with its Model Zero Ultralight and later expand to other Model Zero prototypes and its $300,000 commercial Model A. Planned testing will include driving, vertical takeoff, forward flight, vertical landing and ground and air maneuvering.

"The Netherlands was quite early in investing in a good charging network for electric cars. We've done this as one of the best in the world; we've truly become a leader in this area. We want to do exactly the same with flying."