Eviation Aircraft's aim to develop the world's first zero emission commuter plane has taken a step forward, with the manufacturer having selected specialist engine firm magniX to provide the propulsion system for its planned nine-seater all-electric plane.

The electric aircraft developer announced yesterday that Washington state-based magniX would be providing its 375 horsepower magni250 propulsion system for the project, which aims to bring zero-emission passenger flight for journeys up to 1,000 miles into commercial service by 2022

The motors developed by magniX require no fuel, produce no greenhouse gases, and have completed more than 1,500 hours of testing, the company said.

With the global aviation sector responsible for almost five per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, magnix CEO Roei Ganzarski said the shift to electric propulsion would cut airline operating costs, slash emissions, and make air travel more affordable.

"Electrifying middle-mile aviation with fixed wing aircraft flying between the plethora of existing airports is a logical first step toward better connecting communities," he said. "Together with like-minded leading partners like Eviation, we will see all-electric planes powered by our propulsions systems go into commercial service by 2022, enabling flexible, clean air-travel and package-delivery options at a fraction of today's prices."

It follows magniX recent deal with Harbour Air to provide the engines for a fleet of electric seaplanes along the coastline of British Columbia, Canada.

The firm's propulsion system can be used for both newly-designed all-electric aircraft as well as for the conversion of existing aircraft, according to Eviation, which said it plans to run test flights this year with a view to securing certification by the end of 2021.

Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay said the company would begin manufacturing battery-powered aircraft fleets later this year for regional US carrier customers, claiming the planes would cut operating costs by up to 70 per cent.

"In 2017, Americans spent $1tr traveling distances between 50 and 650 miles," he said. "Our goal is to undercut the cost of commuting by making middle mile trips cheaper, faster and cleaner. Together with magniX we're providing an economically and environmentally sustainable mobility solution that will forever change the face of aviation, and consumer travel."

Investment in electric aviation R&D is increasing sharply as aerospace giants and smaller start-ups both rush to develop new zero emission technologies. Airlines are keen to deploy biofuels or new electric engines in order to curb emissions and guard against the increased costs that will result from the imminent introduction of the CORSIA global emissions charging scheme.

However, campaigners have argued that the development of zero emission commercial jets remains an immense technical challenge that will likely take decades to overcome and as such more stringent emissions reduction policies are urgently required to tackle the aviation industry's expanding carbon footprint.