&w=3840&q=100)
Electric plane makes history flying 130 km over New York with passengers
The flight cost only about ₹694 ($8) in electricity — significantly lower than the roughly ₹13,885 ($160) a helicopter would spend on fuel for the same route. Because the CX300's motors run almost silently, the four passengers could converse easily throughout the journey, free from the roar of turbine engines, Fox News reported.
'This is a 100 per cent electric airplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area. We covered 70-odd nautical miles in 35 minutes,' said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO, Beta Technologies.
'Charging this thing up and flying out here cost us about $8 in fuel. Of course, you have to pay for the pilot and the airplane, but, fundamentally, it's way less expensive,' Clark said, as quoted by Fox News.
FAA certification on the horizon
Founded in Vermont in 2017, Beta Technologies recently secured $318 million in fresh funding to accelerate production and certification of its electric fleet. The company is working on two models: the conventional-takeoff CX300 and the Alia 250 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing). It hopes to earn Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the CX300 by year-end. With a single-charge range of up to 250 nautical miles, Beta believes its aircraft can transform short-haul travel between cities and suburbs.
Beta is not alone in chasing the electric air-taxi market. In May, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organisers named Archer Aviation as their official air-taxi partner, promising spectators a stylish escape from LA's infamous road traffic. Archer also awaits FAA approval but aims to launch its LA network as early as 2026.
As certification milestones draw nearer, electric aircraft such as Beta's CX300 are positioning themselves to reshape commuter aviation — with quieter cabins, lower operating costs, and zero in-flight emissions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could acquire $52.6 million Los Angeles Lakers superstar to form BIG 3 with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler and improve title odds
LeBron James and Stephen Curry (Image via Getty) The Golden State Warriors could be finalizing a massive seven-team trade that ships out Kevin Durant —but this may only be the beginning. This move signals a bold new direction for the franchise. And now, rumors are swirling that their next target could be the biggest name in basketball: LeBron James . With Durant gone and the Warriors clearly in roster-flipping mode, all eyes are on whether they'll make an audacious push to pair Stephen Curry with the Lakers' four-time MVP. The financials mysteriously align, the trade frameworks exist, and the Warriors have the assets to pull it off. But is trading for a 39-year-old LeBron the right move for a team torn between contending now and planning for the future? The Seven-Team Trade: What It Means for the Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors ' involvement in the seven-team deal marks a significant shift in their roster strategy. Though the trade primarily sends Durant elsewhere, Golden State's front office appears to be laying the groundwork for another major move. The Golden State Warriors were part of a massive seven-team trade that saw them send Kevin Durant elsewhere in exchange for young prospects Alex Toohey and Jamai Mahshack. This trade marks a significant roster shake-up for the Warriors, signaling a shift toward developing future talent while parting ways with one of the league's most prolific scorers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo While the immediate return seems modest, the Warriors' flexibility and future assets could set the stage for a bigger acquisition. Lakers Star LeBron James Emerges as a Target LeBron James at the Playoffs against the Timberwolves (Image via Imagn). According to Golden State of Mind's Brady Klopfer, the Warriors could pivot toward a trade for Lakers forward LeBron James . The financials align surprisingly well, making this more than just a pipe dream. Klopfer noted: 'Any James trade would almost certainly be centered around a swap with Jimmy Butler III. In fact, LeBron and his son Bronny James have a combined salary that's less than $500,000 off of what Butler's salary is, so the finances work fairly seamlessly.' (H/t: Sporting News) Here's how a potential trade could break down: - Warriors receive: LeBron James and Bronny James - Lakers receive: Jimmy Butler and two first-round picks The inclusion of Bronny adds another layer, as teams have shown interest in drafting him to potentially lure LeBron. Why the Golden State Warriors Might Pull the Trigger Golden State has several reasons to consider this move: 1. Championship Window: With Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level, adding LeBron could extend their title contention. 2. Olympic Chemistry: James and Curry thrived together in the 2024 Olympics, where LeBron nearly averaged a triple-double and Curry lit up France with eight three-pointers in the gold medal game. 3. Veteran Leadership: Both players bring unmatched experience, with eight combined NBA championships. However, there are risks: - Butler has already proven to fit the Golden State Warriors' system. - LeBron's age (39) and long-term durability remain questions. LeBron's Future: What's Next? LeBron James recently opted into his $52.6 million player option, but his agent, Rich Paul, hinted that the Lakers are open to moves that benefit LeBron's career at this stage. This has fueled speculation about potential trades. Curry previously dismissed the idea of teaming up with LeBron James in the NBA, saying in 2022, 'I'm good right now.' But after failing to win a title since 2022, the Warriors' superstar may reconsider. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks could send $186 million superstar to the San Antonio Spurs and form deadly duo with Victor Wembanyama The Warriors' front office is clearly thinking big. Swapping Butler for LeBron would be a gamble, but the upside—a Curry-James duo in the West—could redefine the NBA landscape. As Klopfer pointed out, the financials work. Now, it's about whether Golden State believes the reward outweighs the risk. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Indian Express
Want to take a dip in Paris? River Seine reopens to public swimming for first time in a century
For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists will be able to take a refreshing dip in the River Seine. The long-polluted waterway is finally opening up as a summertime swim spot following a 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) cleanup project that made it suitable for Olympic competitions last year. Three new swimming sites on the Paris riverbank will open on Saturday — one close to Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral, another near the Eiffel Tower and a third in eastern Paris. Swimming in the Seine has been illegal since 1923, with a few exceptions, due to pollution and risks posed by river navigation. Taking a dip outside bathing areas is still banned for safety reasons. The Seine was one of the stars of the Paris Olympics in 2024, whether as the scene of the ambitious opening ceremony or the triathlon and marathon swimming competitions. That didn't go without challenging hurdles such as rainfall increasing levels of bacteria, which postponed some competitions. This city's authorities have given the green light for the public opening, with water quality results consistently in line with European regulations. 'It's a symbolic moment when we get our river back,' said sports coach and influencer Lucile Woodward, who will participate in the first amateur open water competition in the Seine on Sunday. Woodward, who enjoyed a dip alongside Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo just before the start of the Olympic Games, is confident things will go well. 'We're going to enjoy swimming in it, being there and setting an example,' she said. 'Once people will see that in the end there are hundreds of people who have fun and enjoy it, everyone will want to go!' 'For families, going to take a dip with the kids, making little splashes in Paris, it's extraordinary,' Woodward added. Olympic athletes competing in the river was a spectacular reward for the cost of the cleanup effort. In the run-up to the Games, authorities opened new disinfection units and created a huge storage basin meant to prevent as much bacteria-laden wastewater as possible from spilling directly into the Seine when it rains. Houseboats that previously emptied their sewage directly into the river were required to hook up to municipal sewer systems. Some homes upstream from Paris also saw their wastewater connected to treatment plants instead of the rainwater system flowing directly into the river. Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan said water is tested daily to confirm it's safe to swim. As on French beaches, different colored flags will inform visitors whether or not they can go in. 'Green means the water quality is good. Red means that it's not good or that there's too much current,' he said. Tests have been in line with European regulations since the beginning of June, with only two exceptions due to rain and boat-related pollution, Rabadan said. 'I can't make a bet on the numbers of days when we'll have to close this summer, but water quality seems better than last year,' he added. 'We're in a natural environment … so weather condition variations necessarily have an impact.' Last year, several athletes became ill after competing in the triathlon and open water races during the Olympics, though in most cases it was not clear if the river was to blame for their sickness. World Aquatics stressed the conditions met the sport's accepted thresholds.'The legacy of these efforts is already evident, with the Seine now open for public swimming — a positive example of how sports can drive long-term community benefits,' the organization said in a statement to The Associated Press. Dan Angelescu, founder and CEO of Fluidion, a Paris and Los Angeles-based water monitoring tech company, has routinely and independently tested bacterial levels in the Seine for several years. Despite being in line with current regulations, the official water testing methodology has limitations and undercounts the bacteria, he said. 'What we see is that the water quality in the Seine is highly variable,' Angelescu said. 'There are only a few days in a swimming season where I would say water quality is acceptable for swimming.' 'All we can say is that we can raise a hand and say look: the science today does not support the current assessment of water safety used in the rivers around Paris, and we think that there is major risk that is not being captured at all,' he said. Some Parisians also have shown skepticism toward the idea of swimming in the Seine. The feeling is often reinforced by the water's murky color, floating litter and multiple tourist boats in some places. Enys Mahdjoub, a real estate agent, said he would not be afraid of swimming, but rather 'a bit disgusted. It's more the worry of getting dirty than anything else at the moment.' A dream come trueUntil the end of August, swimming sites will be open for free at scheduled times to anyone with a minimum age of 10 or 14 years, depending on the location. Lifeguards will keep a watchful eye on those first dips. 'It's an opportunity, a dream come true,' said Clea Montanari, a project manager in Paris. 'It'd be a dream if the Seine becomes drinkable, that would be the ultimate goal, right? But already swimming in it is really good.'
The Wire
13 hours ago
- The Wire
BPCL's Premium Petrol Speed Fuels Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025
BENGALURU, India, July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is proud to be the 'Accelerated by Speed' sponsor of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, a landmark moment for Indian athletics. This is the first time India is hosting a World Athletics Continental Tour – Gold level javelin competition on home soil. The event is set for July 5, 2025, at the iconic Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. This isn't just another competition—it's a bold declaration that India is ready to shine on the global track and field stage. The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 brings together an elite field of international athletes, including Olympic medalists Julius Yego, and Thomas Röhler, making it one of the most star-studded javelin events ever held in India. "Neeraj Chopra has been associated with BPCL as the brand ambassador for our premium petrol, Speed, which symbolizes high-performance, efficiency and reliability. We take immense pride in supporting his extraordinary journey—from a world-class athlete to a global icon. The Neeraj Chopra Classic is not just a sporting event, but a symbol of India's athletic aspirations taking flight," said Mr. Pardeep Goyal, Business Head (Retail), BPCL. "We congratulate Neeraj for his vision and leadership, which is reshaping India's sporting narrative and placing Indian athletics on the world map." As athletes from across the globe converge in Bengaluru, BPCL extends a warm welcome to all participants and wishes them success. With a sporting legacy dating back to 1987, BPCL has nurtured over 200 athletes, provided advanced training support, and recently launched a national sports scholarship program. With Neeraj leading the charge, this event is more than a contest—it's a moment of national pride and global recognition for Indian athletics. About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL): Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy. Bharat Petroleum's Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 23,500 Fuel Stations, over 6,200 LPG distributorships, 500 Lubes distributorships, 80 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 79 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 5 cross-country pipelines. Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6500 Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With 'Energising Lives' as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum's vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
