2 seater Planes

Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has unveiled its E-Fan 2.0 electric prototype plane at the Paris Air Show

Airbus is investing €20million (£14.7million) into tho overall design and development of the E-Fan 2.0

Height of success: The E-Fan 2.0 is the world's first plug-in plane and is capable of cruising at 99mph

Weighing less than half a tonne, the revolutionary flyer is outfitted with lithium-ion polymer batteries in its 31ft wings, as well as dual electric motors for a total power of 60 kilowatts.

At this point, it's only a prototype, though Airbus plans to construct a final assembly line for the E-Fan at Pau in south-west France.

The company hopes that the all-electric model will enter service around the end of 2017 or early 2018.

At least initially, flight schools are expected to be the main customers for the aircraft, though a larger four-seat E-Fan 4.0 is scheduled for 2019.

The two-seater is nearly silent in flight, can reach speeds of 136mph and stays airborne for an hour

The ultimate goal is to produce a 100-seat electric aircraft - though it may take until 2050 to become reality

This 4.0 model will be available to the general aviation market and Airbus's long-term plan is to be able to work its way to producing electric-powered regional airliners and helicopters.

The ultimate goal is a 100-seat electric aircraft, although it may take until 2050 for such a dream to be realised.

At the Paris show, the 2.0 prototype will participate in flying displays throughout the event while, in Airbus's exhibition area, a full-scale model of the production version will be on display.

Airbus is investing 20 million euros (£14.73 million) in the overall design and development of the E-Fan 2.0.

It said: 'Engineering schools and their apprenticeship programmes will have a strong involvement in the E-Fan's development and production.

'They will bring the fresh perspective and ideas of young talent that represents the aerospace industry's next generation.'