Well, they actually do exist. The latest is the Taurus G4 concept from Slovenia-based light aircraft maker Pipistrel, a four seater made by combining two of its Taurus Electro G2 two-seater ultralight powered gliders around an electric engine. Though this one won't make it to serial production, it will be used to develop hybrid and electric versions of the company's Panthera light plane.
The G4 prototype weighs 1,067 kilos, with nearly half of that consisting of lithium-ion batteries. With a maximum passenger weight of 1,500 kilos, the plane can hold four people and their baggage.
Meantime, the Taurus Electro G2 has achieved some success commercially since it went into production. With a 40kW electric motor powering a retractable propellor, it can fly to 6,500ft. The motor working time is up to 17 minutes, but since the aircraft is primarily a glider, it can fly for long distances depending on conditions and the skill of the pilot. A standard Taurus uses a 50hp petrol engine in the same format and has an hour and a half of engine use.
