Luxury

Electric Air

Rolls-Royce engineers and scientists set out to build a high-performance electric aeroplane unlike anything the world had ever seen. The zero-emission Spirit of Innovation is the outstanding result.
Words by Sandy Lindsey | January 26, 2022 | Luxury

The revolutionary Rolls-Royce Spirit of Innovation aircraft signals a huge step forward in the global transition to cleaner forms of flight. “We are focused on producing the technology breakthroughs society needs to de-carbonize transport across air, land and sea,” says Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East. “The advanced battery and propulsion technology developed for this program has exciting applications for the Urban Air Mobility market and can help make ‘jet zero’ a reality.” The winged EV is powered by a 400 kW powertrain that produces over 500 hp and can reach an altitude of just under 10,000 ft. in 202 seconds. It has hit a top speed of 387.4 mph, which just may be the fastest speed of any electronic vehicle on the planet. Rolls-Royce is currently working with Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market in 2026; Rolls-Royce.com.