Siemens and Airbus to develop electric planes

European plane maker Airbus has joined forces with German technology firm Siemens to work on electric aircraft technology. They aim to demonstrate the technical feasibility of various hybrid and electric […]

European plane maker Airbus has joined forces with German technology firm Siemens to work on electric aircraft technology.

They aim to demonstrate the technical feasibility of various hybrid and electric propulsion systems by the end of the decade, which are expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption and noise.

The two companies plan to jointly develop prototypes for various engines with power classes ranging from a few 100 kilowatts to up to 10 and more megawatts, i.e. for short, local trips below 100 seats or helicopters.

European emission targets aim for CO2 reductions of 75% by 2050.

Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group said: “Electric and electric-hybrid flight represent some of the biggest industrial challenges of our time, aiming at zero-emission aviation. We believe that by 2030 passenger aircraft below 100 seats could be propelled by hybrid propulsion systems and we are determined to explore this possibility together with world-class partners like Siemens.”

Global aviation experts agreed to the first emissions reduction standard for aircrafts earlier this year.

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