The Airbus E-Fan electric plane to go into production

Airbus is to assemble its E-Fan 2.0, all-electric aircraft at Pau in southwest France.

The E-Fan 2.0, the latest version of the electric two-seater which was originally launched in 2012, is capable of reaching 160 km ( 100mph) and carries a battery which can sustain flight for one hour. The plane also carries a backup battery for emergency use.

Fifteen people will work on assembling the aircraft at the 1,500 sq. m. ( 16,000 sq. ft. ) building, close to the the Pau Airport’s runways.

Voltair, an Airbus subsidiary in charge of the E-Fan, should initially produce five units per year, but targets a rate of 80 per year by 2025. The E-Fan sale price should be between 150,000 and 200,000 euros.

Close to €50 have already been invested in the project, which includes €20m from Airbus. The rest is shared between the partner companies, the region and the French state.