SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – South Burlington electric plane startup Beta Technologies says it’s going hybrid.
The company on Thursday announced it’s partnering with GE Aerospace to build a plane that combines GE’s traditional fuel-powered airplane turbines and Beta’s battery systems.
The new hybrid model would have military and civilian uses. The companies say this new model would have more range, payload, capacity, and speed than similar aircraft. While it wouldn’t be totally electric, Beta’s Kyle Clark says it’ll still be more sustainable than traditional planes, and ultimately have a smaller price tag. “Cost reduction and sustainability go hand in hand, right? You burn less fuel, it’s more sustainable. A hybrid electric system burns less fuel than a traditional jet or turbine-powered aircraft,” he said.
GE will make a $300 million investment in beta as part of the deal.
Beta did not give a timeline for when an aircraft would be available or say what it would cost.
