Electric plane breakthrough

Fuel cell 'can power flights'

- By Stephen Beech

ELECTRIC planes have moved a big step closer after scientists developed a power-packed fuel cell that leaves no carbon emissions.

The device packs three times as much energy per pound as the best EV batteries — offering a lightweight option for planes, lorries and ships.

It is similar to a battery but instead of being recharged can be quickly refuelled with liquid sodium metal, which is inexpensive and widely available. The other side of the cell is ordinary air, and in between is a layer of solid ceramic material.

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