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The electric aircraft "eDA40" flies in Vienna, Austria. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

Electric aircraft "eDA40," designed by Wanfeng Diamond (Austria) Aircraft Industry Co, a subsidiary of Zhejiang-based Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, recently completed its maiden flight in Vienna, Austria.

The aircraft employs battery modules and a compatible fast direct current charging system, enabling 90 minutes of flight from a mere 20-minute charge.

Compared to conventional piston-engine aircraft, operational costs for this model have been reduced by over 40 percent.

In recent years, numerous technology companies around the world have been focusing on aviation electrification. Tesla CEO Elon Musk once expressed his interest in electric aviation, forecasting Tesla's entry into the electric aircraft sector within five years.

As early as 2011, Wanfeng Diamond Aircraft, in collaboration with Siemens, launched the "DA36eStar," a serial hybrid electric aircraft.

In 2018, they introduced the HEMEP hybrid electric multiple engine aircraft, the world's first aircraft with multiple hybrid power plants.

In October 2021, the company officially unveiled the electric aircraft "eDA40" project.

Wanfeng will focus on advancing hybrid electric technology for aircraft, driving the development of higher-performance electric aircraft models.