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Air travel produces 2% of global carbon emissions annually, and we haven’t yet developed batteries powerful enough to replace jet engines. But MagniX has made progress by powering smaller aircraft with high-efficiency motors that convert battery power into propulsion. This year, the Magni650 Electric Propulsion Unit—an engine that allows for decarbonization and is lighter than a traditional engine—powered a test of Alice, the first designed-for-electric commuter plane by Eviation, that can carry nine passengers and two pilots. MagniX has even partnered with NASA on the 50-passenger De Havilland Canada Dash 7 as a hybrid, with two of four engines replaced by motors. Its first test flight is planned for 2025.
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