Traditional Airliner Over City

The Largest All-Electric Plane Promises Carbon Emission Reduction In Aviation Industry

Written by Craig Bouchard

Aug 12 · 4 min read

Across the world, environmental changes are occurring as a result of the Coronavirus shutdowns. From the re-emergence of ocean life to the decline of greenhouse gases, there is evidence that the state of the natural world can turn around. Spurred by this hopeful evidence, industry innovators are spearheading environmentally conscious projects. Focused on sustainability, zero-carbon emissions, and viability, many industries are introducing alternative products to meet consumer demands. These heavy pollution industries strive to propel their trades into an eco-friendly future. Within the airline and commercial trucking industry, bold changes are coming.

Electricity Takes Flight

In May 2020, the world’s largest all-electric plane successfully took flight on a maiden voyage. The flight lasted thirty minutes and was considered a historic event in the aviation industry. The all-electric eCaravan ushered in growing faith that zero-carbon emissions could be possible in the aviation industry. While the concept was a daydream for aviation futurists, it was always deemed out of reach. Now, with eCaravan’s first successful flight under its wings, the environmentally friendly future of the aviation industry is within sight.

Heavy Pollution Industries

The success of eCaravan is a huge step forward for the pollution heavy aviation industry. Producing vast carbon emissions, commercial and private flight activity adds significant damage to the ecosystem. Traditional aviation is responsible for 12% of carbon emissions from all mobility sources. In terms of human-created carbon emissions, aviation accounts for 2% of all carbon emissions. Thus, the ability to minimize carbon emissions in the near future is an enthralling concept for the industry.

Similarly, the commercial trucking industry faces the same reputation. With countless trucks constantly en route to a destination, endless carbon emissions elicit negative effects. Like the aviation industry’s innovators, the commercial trucking trade is also witnessing the road to commercialization of zero-carbon emission trucks and trailers. Exciting launches include electricity-producing trailers that can power electric vehicles on the road, and create clean energy for later use.

magniX, AeroTEC, And Ecolution kWh

Creating electric motors for electric aircraft, magniX has been working to modernize the aviation industry since 2009. The company created the magni500, the electric motor used by the eCaravan. This impressive motor harnesses a 750-horsepower propulsion system. It is also highly efficient, with over 93% efficiency as compared to other motors. This pivotal component of the eCaravan propelled the all-electric aircraft on its maiden voyage. Design and engineering company AeroTEC allowed for the usage of their testing center. The company provided a flight team and staff support. This collaboration allowed for the successful flight, and set the precedent for innovators working together.

In the trucking sector, breakthrough company Ecolution kWh is launching electric trucks and trailers that act as floating electric grids. The trailers become clean energy power plants by using Ecolution kWh’s technology. They create energy whilst in motion, and can elongate the electric truck’s mileage. This process increases efficiency, streamlines operations, and limits recharging frequency. When pulled by combustion engines, Ecolution kWh’s electricity-conducting trailers harness energy for plugged-in components, like reefer systems. Conversely, the created energy can be used at the truck’s destination to power a company’s operations. This multi-faceted approach will not only minimize carbon emissions on the road, it will provide clean energy sources for corporate consumption.

The Future Of Industry

The initial flight of eCaravan was short and certainly wasn’t commercial. Nonetheless, it propelled the notion that sustainable aviation is possible. It proved this idea is worth pursuing further, potentially inspiring further investment in the endeavor. The public won’t be reaching destinations via all-electric commercial planes tomorrow. However, the promise of such travel is now within reach. From this initial flight, innovators can build upon this success to further their quest. They can generate longer flights, new engine models, and further innovation. Undoubtedly, sustainable change is coming to the aviation industry.

Similarly, Ecolution kWh’s inaugural products are promising similar results within the commercial trucking industry. As corporate entities begin to implement these clean energy products for mainstream trucking operations, the pollution heavy industry can increase sustainability. Initial successes will breed broad adaptation of electric trucks and trailers, creating sustainable change in the trucking industry.

With limited human activity, the natural world continues to show the ability to rebound. As clearer skies showcase the effects of minimized pollution, industry leaders look to implement clean energy practices. The initial successes within the aviation and trucking industry highlight this potential. A clean energy revolution is upon us, one flight at a time.