Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk says his next project may be an all-electric supersonic jet that would allow for faster travel and smaller airports

The founder of Tesla Motors and Space Exploration Technologies announced that in the near future he may work to develop an all-electric supersonic jet that could take off and land vertically.



Elon Musk said that supersonic air travel, exceeding the speed of sound using an electric-powered jet that could take off and land without the need for a long runway, was the ‘ultimate form of transport.’



‘If somebody doesn't do that, maybe at some point in the future, I will,’ Musk, 42, said during a YouTube video chat with a group of technology entrepreneurs on Thursday.

Ultimate: Elon Musk said that supersonic air travel using an electric-powered jet that could take off and land without the need for a long runway, was the 'ultimate form of transport'

Musk said that he wanted to set up a company to build such an aircraft in the future, though he is currently preoccupied with his other projects, including a planned mission to Mars.



Traveling at supersonic speeds, an aircraft could fly from London to Shanghai in about seven and a half hours, which compares with more than 11 hours for a direct commercial flight, according to Bloomberg .



An all-electric plane would benefit the environment, in addition to being fast and quiet, Musk noted.



Because such a high-powered plane wouldn't need a long runway to depart or land, airports that house them could be built smaller, which would allow them to be constructed closer to big cities and other popular destinations.

Supersonic speed: Traveling at supersonic speeds, an aircraft could fly from London to Shanghai in about seven and a half hours, which compares with more than 11 hours for a direct commercial flight (the Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic jet pictured)

Busy man: Musk said that he wanted to set up a company to build such an aircraft in the future, though he is currently preoccupied with his other projects, including a planned mission to Mars

During Thursday’s video chat, Musk, who was seated in a gray velvet chair, was joined by Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, another major proponent of advanced air and space travel.



The creation of an all-electric supersonic jet could take some time, Musk said, adding that he was not planning to start another company ‘anytime soon.’



In addition to Tesla and SpaceX, Musk is currently working on his much-anticipated Hyperloop, another pet project for advanced human transport.



He said that he will release a draft plan for the technology on Monday and hopes others will improve upon and commercialize that product, as well.