Teaco Bat Could Top Current Record Of 202 Miles Per Hour

The U.K. company developing an electric-powered racing airplane hopes to be able to break the speed record for electric aircraft next year. The founder of The Electric Aeroplane Company (Teaco) in Gloucestershire, U.K. says the airplane may be "substantially faster" than any previous electric-powered aircraft.

Roger Mottram took his inspiration for the Bat from Red Bull racing aircraft. He told the online news site PRW.com that recent advances in battery technology and electric engine design are opening up new possibilities for electric airplanes like the Bat.

The Bat is being showcased at a show called "Venturfest Bristol" being held next month in Bristol, U.K. Mottram said unlike what he calls "endurance planes" ... which rely on small motors and big wings, the Bat will go "fast and furious." On the Teaco website, company says that the airplane will fly for about 20 minutes on a battery charge.

Teaco says that the Bat will be powered by a 60 kW (81 horsepower) electric motor. It will be offered in kit form to builders specifically as a racing airplane. According to the website, it will incorporate the latest safety features, including energy absorbing cockpit structure and ballistic recovery system.

FMI: www.electricaeroplanecompany.com/