Incredible Electric Plane Crosses A Major Milestone

[MiloMorai]

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/news/incredible-electric-plane-crosses-a-major-milestone/ar-AA12gRCj?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=3cfa90228a4e4048a73be1db4264e87a

In 2022, it is common to spot people going about their daily lives using electric vehicles. These vehicles typically range from buses and cars to battery-powered scooters and motorcycles. Given that electric vehicles have already proven their viability as excellent replacements for internal combustion engine vehicles, it was only a matter of time before someone thought of coming up with electric planes, as well. One of the primary reasons for the growing interest in electric planes is concerns over the environmental effects of the aviation industry, which as of 2018 accounted for 2.4% of all fossil fuel-derived CO2 emissions (via NIH).

With the number of people traveling by air expected to rise exponentially in the decades to come, developing an alternate, cleaner form of air travel is becoming vital. Interestingly, the concept of a battery-powered aircraft isn't entirely new, with the earliest records of such an aircraft concept dating back to the late 1880s. However, the major impediment to the development of such a plane was the battery, which simply could not hold the energy needed to power a reasonably long flight. The development of lithium-ion batteries in the '70s and '80s did solve this problem to some extent.

With significant investments from established players in the aviation industry, the development of electric planes is undoubtedly happening at a heightened pace these days. One of the companies working to develop an electric plane is Eviation, which recently completed a major milestone in the development of an all-electric aircraft called the Eviation Alice.

FYI

[Maverick]

For those wondering just what the "major milestone was here is more from the article. Color me unimpressed so far and that includes the bit at the end of the paragraph regarding range.

"Designed for commercial use, the Eviation Alice is a small 57-foot-long all-electric aircraft focused on ultra short-haul flights. The aircraft was in the news after it passed a major test called the high-speed taxi rotation test. The next stage in the development of Alice is its first test fight, which is also expected to happen soon. The Eviation Alice team is targeting a range of 440 nautical miles (506 miles), according to the company's website, though a small disclaimer notes such a range would be without payloads and in ideal conditions."

[Vulcan]

The payload is listed at 1100kg. That's 122kg per passenger including luggage. Regular airline allowance is 23kg checked and 7kg carry on, so that's 92kg average per passenger. There's not a lot of wiggle room in that. Current range is listed at 240nm with a 30 minute energy reserve.

Also recharge time is listed as 70 minutes for a full recharge, plus airports would need the specific recharge equipment. So if your destination is closed and your flight needs to divert to an airport with no recharge capability... you're buggered

[icepac]

A major milestone would be to take off.

[AKIron]

Electrical storage efficiency must increase significantly before folks will give up the convenience of one 10 minute stop to refuel for a 500+ mile trip.

Unless a totalitarian government dictates it of course.

[Puma44]

“which as of 2018 accounted for 2.4% of all fossil fuel-derived CO2 emissions (via NIH).” So, what accounted for the other 97.6%?  Seems like stomping on ants while the elephants are trampling the majority.