A reporter took a 25-minute flight on Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 electric plane, which used about $5.25 in electricity, compared to an estimated $60 in fuel for a conventional jet-fuel-powered plane. The biggest obstacle to electric aviation is the nearly 3,000 pounds of batteries required. Beta Technologies is aiming for a 2027 certification target, but challenges remain before paying passengers can ride. The flight demonstrated potential cost savings and environmental benefits, but also highlighted why electric planes are not yet mainstream.
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