China produces first electric planes

SHENYANG - The world's first electric passenger aircraft to gain an airworthiness certificate has been produced by China.

The BX1E has a 14.5 meter wingspan and a maximum payload of 230 kg. It can fly at an altitude of 3,000 meters.

The charging is completed within two hours, allowing a flight time of 45 minutes to one hour, at a maximum speed of 160 km per hour.

The plane was designed by Shenyang Aerospace University and Liaoning general aviation academy in the northeastern Liaoning Province. The first two aircrafts were delivered to Liaoning Ruixiang General Aviation Co on Thursday.

The aircraft can be used in pilot training, tourism, meteorology and rescue operations. Each sells for about one million yuan ($163,000).

The number of orders has reached 28.