EasyJet hails fuel-saving potential of hybrid taxiing

摘要

UK low-cost carrier EasyJet is banking on a new 700kg (l,540lb) taxiing system to save it about 50,000t of fuel per year. The concept envisages motors in the main gear powered by a hydrogen fuel cell in the hold, which charges using energy captured from the brakes on landing. Pilots will be able to manoeuvre on the tarmac using the motors in- stead of their main engines. Taxiing currently accounts for about 4% of the airline's fuel bill and about 20min of each aircraft's journey time.