The idea is that Solar Impulse will take off and fly under its own power using electricity from the 11, 628 solar cells covering the upper surfaces of its wings and tailplane.

ECONOMIST: Electric planes

After all, why go green with a solar array if the electricity is just going to fly out a drafty door.

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As bees fly, they generate up to 450 volts of static electricity, which causes pollen grains to jump on.

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It is needed to make plastics, to fly planes, to propel construction equipment and to turn generators to make electricity that keeps the lights on and your computer humming in your home or office.

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Another way to fly farther is to swap the batteries for hydrogen and use that in a fuel cell to produce electricity.

ECONOMIST: Electric planes