First and only certified electric plane in the world arrives in Canada

[Guest2]

Hopefully there will be more stories so we can follow it's operations / progress. 

First and only certified electric plane in the world arrives in Canada

Story by Isabella O'Malley, M.Env.Sc • Yesterday 5:35 p.m.

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Canada’s first and only type certified electric plane has arrived at the Waterloo Region International Airport.

The Velis Electro, manufactured by a Slovenian company named Pipistrel, is the only type certified all-electric airplane in the world. The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics at the University of Waterloo and its partner, Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, will test and research the plane in hopes of receiving certification from Transport Canada so it can be flown in this country.

“We're very safety conscious in aviation. So we need to prove that all the specifications from the manufacturer are indeed achieved in our operating conditions,” said Paul Parker, a professor at the University of Waterloo, who is specialized in energy, sustainability, and aviation.

 

The first and only electric plane in Canada has arrived in Ontario© Provided by The Weather Network

Paul Parker with the Velis Electro in Waterloo. (Isabella O'Malley)

Although the certification process could take several months, excitement is already building among students in the aviation program.

“They love it. They might not know too much about it now, but they want this because our students want to fly, but they don't want the emissions,” Parker told The Weather Network.

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Once certified, the Velis Electro can make short-distance flights, such as from Toronto to Hamilton, for example. Parker explained that the distance the plane can travel varies based on a number of factors.

“The rough numbers are: fly for an hour, charge for an hour. The more power you're using, the shorter it's going to last. If you ease back on the throttle, it will last longer. So the actual flight and time depend on how heavy your foot is,” Parker explained.

 

The first and only electric plane in Canada has arrived in Ontario© Provided by The Weather Network

A look inside the Velis Electro. (Pipistrel)

The plane contains two batteries, one that replaced the motor in the front and one that replaced the cargo in the back. Having two batteries increases safety because if there is a problem with one, you can continue to fly with the other one. Also, you normally plan to land when there is still 30 per cent of charge remaining in the battery.

The plane cost around $300,000 (including fees for shipping) While the initial fees might seem high, Parker said that the technology would pay off in the long run.

“The cost of electricity to run this plane is very low. It's $2 or $3 for charging rather than the $100 that you're going to pay for fuel,” he explained.

 

The first and only electric plane in Canada has arrived in Ontario© Provided by The Weather Network

Pilots inside the Velis Electro. (Pipistrel)

Maintenance is also expected to be a money-saver over time since the electric motor is simpler than a conventional gas motor.

This year the Canadian government outlined a plan for the national aviation sector to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Experts consider this to be an ambitious feat that will require significant innovation since the industry is almost entirely powered by fossil fuels.

“I think that there are multiple solutions for the aviation challenge. For short-distance flights, electric already has the capacity and will be a lower cost option for us. For the longer flights, we're going to have hybrids and alternative fuels,” said Parker.

Watch the video above to get a closer look at Canada’s first and only electric plane.

Editor's note: The original headline of this story did not clarify that this is the first "type certified" electric plane in the world.

Thumbnail image: The Velis Electro being charged. (Pipistrel)

[conehead]

Certified where?

[Guest2]

2 hours ago, conehead said:

Certified where?

Link to certification. TCDS EASA.A.573 (europa.eu)

[Kip Powick]

Hope it has a good glide ratio 

[Specs]

It looks like a Cessna Cirrus Tomahawk. 

 

 

 

Edited November 22, 2022 by Specs

[Kip Powick]

The comment that hit me was the link to  "aviation sector net zero  emissions by 2050".  I don't think that will ever happen because, in my opinion, electric commercial aircraft are not viable and neither are hydrogen driven aircraft feasible.

There is an easy way to cut carbon emissions in aviation however, it is painful for all concerned.

Cut the number of flights originating in Canada and arriving in Canada. For example .... I understand that most readers want the convenience of hourly flights between YYZ and YOW  and no one remembers when there was, maybe  three flights a day in that area..... Why do we have hourly flights ??? Can the pax not arrange their lives around a fewer flights schedule??? They did it before  and everyone survived.

Yes, that would result in less airplanes and less employees and less for the greedy corps but  at the present time  there are so many flights  everywhere  and LCC don't help with the LOW prices.....I'm sure many can remember when flying was a privilege and not what so many feel is now a "right". We need less flights and an increase in fares and  the public should accept that cold fact.

Yes, I know not one iota of my thoughts will ever happen because the industry is driven by one thing ....$$$.... and there is no way all airlines will mutually  agree to cut services to  help save the planet for future inhabitants..Kinda sad, but the current situation  is what we call, (sarcasm font not available), " progress".

 

Tin Hat, respirator, and fireproof accessories standing by  

  DKP

 

[Specs]

I wish there was a Award Emoticon for thought provoking posts cause that on would get a whack of them.

I like to think a zero emissions industry is a real target.  The operating costs are too cheap to ignore and I'm hoping will drive innovation like we have never seen before in this industry.  

We fly the way we do and operate the way we do and regulate our skies the way we do because we are so dependent on gas turbine engines and need to follow the applicable laws of physics and thermodynamics.  But all of those rules go out the window with electric aircraft and cheap, nearly free fuel.  It's going to be a heck of a fun time. 

Maybe a bit like watching biplanes replace Zeppelins all those years ago.  Some of us here must remember how quick that transformation happened?    Jets replacing props then?
 

 

 

Edited November 22, 2022 by Specs

[Vsplat]

Never is a long time.  I prefer the approach that the impossible just takes longer.

The pursuit of electric flight and zero emission targets is worthy IMO, not only because of the destination, but, like space flight, because of all of the innovation it drives, much of which matures to viability ahead of the goal and would never have been considered if not to solve a problem related to the overall objective.

I'm a fan.  [no longer a turbo fan, but also powered by hot air perhaps]....

Vs