Electric aviation uses battery-electric or hybrid-electric propulsion to reduce aviation emissions and noise. Electric aircraft range from small 2-seat trainer aircraft to 19-seat commuter planes, with companies like Eviation, Heart Aerospace, and Wright Electric developing commercial models. Current limitations include battery energy density and range, with most electric aircraft targeting short-haul flights under 500 km initially.
Important Considerations
Battery energy density limitations restrict range and payload capacity. Regulatory certification process for electric aircraft ongoing.
How It Works
Battery packs power electric motors that drive propellers or fans directly or through reduction gears. Distributed electric propulsion can use multiple small motors for improved efficiency and redundancy. Hybrid systems combine electric motors with small combustion engines for extended range.
Advantages
Zero direct emissions and significantly reduced noise, lower operating costs due to cheap electricity vs aviation fuel, simplified maintenance with fewer moving parts, enables new aircraft designs with distributed propulsion, and can use renewable electricity for carbon-free flight.
Challenges
Limited by battery energy density (250 Wh/kg vs 12,000 Wh/kg for jet fuel), restricts range to under 500 miles for current technology, long charging times compared to fuel refilling, high battery costs and replacement requirements, and regulatory certification challenges.