Aeroplane that runs on batteries!? Rolls-Royce builds the world’s fastest electric plane

Aviation expert Rolls Royce has just completed testing of technology that will soon power the fastest all-electric plane. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

As part of the ACCEL program – short for ‘Accelerating the Electrification of Flight’ – the plane will be able to break several records using the technology that has been tested on a full scale replica of its core, called ‘ionBird’. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

This test includes a 500 hp electric motor that runs on a battery that has enough charge to power 500 homes. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

The battery pack is made up of 6,000 cells packaged to achieve extremely light weights and maximum thermal protection. On a single charge, the plane will be able to fly 250 miles, i.e. from London to Paris. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

The airplane is powered by three 750R e-motors (about 500 hp) manufactured by YASA, a British electric motors manufacturer. Altogether they will power a single propeller at lower than conventional rpms. This also means more stability and decreased noise. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

To monitor the plane and the motor for safety, the avionics bay contains all of the control hardware along with a string of sensors to keep track of the motor at 20,000 different points. This will offer read-outs on battery voltage, temperature and general performance among various others. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

The team has planned for the plane’s first flight later this year aiming at the current all-electric flight world record. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)