Yuneec, which is based in Shanghai, China, expects the aircraft to be able to fly for 1.5 to 3 hours before its lithium polymer batteries need recharging.
The E430 made its maiden flight on 12 June at an airfield near Shanghai and completed a second series of test flights on 20 June.
The composite aircraft is scheduled to be shipped to the USA for further testing before being displayed at the
2009 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show in July.
Designed as a LSA (light sport aircraft) class aircraft (
FAA classification), the electric aircraft is said to be simple to fly, quiet, with no emissions and low maintenance.
Yuneec says that charging times of 3 hours for as little as US$5 make electric a very low cost way to fly. The company also produces electric paramotors.
Watch the video | Watch a video clip of the E430 electric aircraft's test flights. |