All-Electric Plane Makes English Channel Crossing for First Time

The E-Fan, an Airbus creation that runs on motors powered by lithium-ion batteries, crossed the English channel earlier today, claiming the title of the first all-electric aircraft to have scaled the geographic benchmark.

The E-Fan on display at the Osons La France economic submit from December 3-7, 2014. Airbus

The E-Fan, an Airbus creation that runs on motors powered by lithium-ion batteries, crossed the English channel earlier today, claiming the title of the first all-electric aircraft to have reached the geographic benchmark.

The 1,300-pound aircraft took off in Lydd, England and alighted Calais, France, completing the 31-mile journey in 37 minutes, reaching a peak altitude of  3,500 feet.

Airbus CTO Jean Botti welcoming Didier Esteyne (L), the pilot of the E-Fan, celebrating his flight across the English channel in Calais, France on July 10, 2015. Airbus