Rolls-Royce Claims To Have Developed World's Fastest Electric Airplane, Reaching 623 Kilometers Per Hour

Spirit of Innovation electric plane test flight. (Source: Rolls-Royce plc)

JAKARTA - Renowned aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce plc said it had developed "the world's fastest electric aircraft," according to a statement from the company.

The plane, dubbed the "Spirit of Innovation" reaches a maximum speed of 387.4 mph (623 km/h) in flight, which Rolls-Royce says is believed to make it "the fastest electric vehicle in the world."

Rolls-Royce said in a press statement Spirit of Innovation set three world records in total, including hitting 345.4 mph over 1.86 miles on November 16. The company also said the vehicle achieved the fastest time to climb 3000 meters with one minute, with a time of 202 seconds.

The aircraft flew 300 mph over 9.32 miles in Wiltshire, the UK Ministry of Defense military aircraft testing site, which was 182 mph faster than the previous record, the statement said, citing CNN Nov. 21.

Spirit of Innovation electric plane. (Source: Rolls-Royce plc)

The figures have been presented to the sport's global governing body Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FIA) for verification.

Built as part of the Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL) project, and funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and Innovate UK, the aircraft uses a 400kW electric powertrain.

In addition, the craft uses the most power-dense propulsion battery pack ever built in space, according to Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce test pilot and director of flight operations Phil O'Dell, who reached top speed, said "this is the pinnacle of my career and a tremendous achievement for the whole team."

Spirit of Innovation electric plane. (Source: Rolls-Royce plc)

"Staking a claim for the all-electric world speed record is a fantastic achievement for the ACCEL and Rolls-Royce teams," said company CEO Warren East.

"Following the world's focus on the need for action at COP26, this is another milestone that will help make 'jet zero' a reality and support our ambition, to deliver the technological breakthroughs society needs to reduce carbonization of air, land and sea transport," East added.

Separately, UK Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng said the plane "will demonstrate the potential of electric aviation and help unlock technologies that can make it a part of everyday life."

"The government is proud to support projects like this to increase the private investment needed to unlock cleaner and greener aircraft that will allow people to fly the way they are now, but in a way that reduces emissions," Kwarteng added.