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Transport has a lot to answer for when it comes to harming the planet. While cars and trains are moving towards greener, electric power, emissions from air travel are expected to increase massively by 2050. If we want big green sky solutions, we need blue sky thinking. Fortunately, there's plenty of that happening right now, particularly the short-haul flights powered by batteries.

Harbour Air is the largest seaplane airline in North America, flying 30, 000 commercial flights in 40 seaplanes each year. Significantly, all Harbour Air routes last less than 30 minutes, making it perfectly fit for electric engines. “As an airline, were currently in the process of turning all our planes into electric airplanes. ” says CEO Greg McDougall. To make this happen, the airline has partnered up with MagniX to create the world's first commercial flight with an electric engine.

Making the skies electric isn't just good for the environment, it also makes sound financial sense: a small aircraft uses $400 on conventional fuel for a 100-mile flight, while an electric one costs $8-12 for the same distance, and that's before you factor in the higher maintenance costs of a traditional engine. There's also the added bonus that electric planes are just much more pleasant to fly in. No loud engine noise, no smell of fuel, just environmentally friendly peace and quiet.

While there has been real progress in the e-plane industry, the technical challenges that remain are keeping everyone's feet firmly on the ground. A battery, even a lithium one, only provides 250 watt-hours per kilogram; compare this to liquid fuel, which has a specific energy of 11, 890 watt-hours per kilogram. Carrying adequate batteries, however, would make the plane too heavy to get off the ground. In aircraft, where every bit of weight counts, this can't just be ignored.

The transition (过渡) from gas to electric in the automobile industry has been made easier by hybrids-vehicles powered by both fuel and electricity. Many believe the same patter could be followed in the air. Fuel consumption could be reduced as the electric component is switched on at key parts of the journey, especially on take-off and landing.

It's certainly an exciting time for electric flying. With companies like Harbour Air taking the lead, battery-powered planes, especially on short-haul journeys, are set to become a reality in the next few years.

1.According to Para. 1, what is happening in air transport?

A.New explorations of the sky are being launched.

B.Pollution caused by batteries is being controlled.

C.Efforts are being made to make air travel greener.

D.Demand for short-haul flights is increasing massively.

2.Why is Harbour Air fit for electric flights?

A.It runs short routes.

B.It has a strong partner.

C.Its planes can land on the sea.

D.It has planes with powerful engines.

3.The expression "added bonus" refers to the fact that electric planes_________.

A.give passengers more pleasant views

B.bring airlines more financial benefits

C.offer more enjoyable flying experiences

D.cost less in maintenance than traditional ones

4.What might be the biggest challenge of electric flying?

A.To improve the ground service for e-planes.

B.To find qualified technicians for e-plane industry.

C.To calculate the energy needed to power e-planes.

D.To balance power and weight of batteries in e-planes.

5.What could be done during the transition from gas to electric in air flight?

A.To produce new electric components.

B.To increase battery consumption.

C.To use mixed-power technology.

D.To expand the landing field.

6.What is the author's attitude towards the prospect of electric flying?

A.Short-sighted. B.Wait-and-see.

C.Optimistic. D.Skeptical.

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