© Pipistrel Vertical Solutions d.o.o.The EU-funded MAHEPA project is developing prototype planes using electric motors and modular power-generation systems. The light aircraft, designed to carry four passengers, is an important step towards potentially larger and longer-range commercial planes that run on alternative fuels or hydrogen with zero emissions. The first test flights will be conducted in 2020.Although unlikely to compete with long-haul passenger planes soon, hybrid electric aircraft could revolutionise local and regional flights.