I am sure you could electrify this plane if you are willing to spend the scratch. I built a Bridi Aircruiser and checked out going electric. For a motor, two battery packs, charger and ESC the set up would have cost $450. And this was for a 25 sized outrunner motor.

I bought a NIB FP 25 off Ebay for $35. A gallon of fuel for $14 and a couple of props for $6. A glow started and spare glow plugs for $30 and I was in business. That was about $85 and I was powered up. For the other $365 difference I can buy a lot of glow fuel. Electric is cool but I like hearing the engine run.