Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Transportation Alternatives, USA

Cessna has built over 43,000 of its 172 Skyhawks since introducing the airplane back in 1955 and, until now, all have burned aviation fuel (Avgas) to fly the friendly skies. That is set to change as the ol' air-dog will learn a new trick this year with its manufacturer announcing that it is teaming up with Bye Energy to produce an electric-powered proof of concept (POC) version of the venerable bird.

According to reports, the 4-seater could have as much as a four-hour flight time. If you are thinking that doesn't seem feasible given the energy density of today's batteries, you're probably right. Not mentioned in the press release is the fact this first flyer will actually be a plug-in hybrid outfitted with an auxiliary power unit running on jet fuel.

For its part, Bye Energy has been working on putting together the electric aero-drivetrain since 2008. Though its not known which specific components will go into this POC, video from earlier this year showed them discussing an approach that would use a UQM 125 motor as well as thin-film solar cells on top of the wings to increase range. Hit the jump to check out that footage as well as a news report about the announcement and the official press release.

[Source: Cessna / Bye Energy / Terri Griffith / AVweb]

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Cessna developing electric-powered 172 Skyhawk originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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