Electric planes might seem futuristic, but they aren’t that far off, at least for short hops.
Small planes are easier to electrify, but larger ones aren't far behind. Chalabala/istock via Getty Images
Why is aviation so difficult to electrify?Aircraft are some of the most complex vehicles out there, but the biggest problem for electrifying them is the battery weight. How does hybrid aviation work to cut emissions?Hybrid electric aircraft are similar to hybrid electric cars in that they use a combination of batteries and aviation fuels. The problem is that no other industry has the weight limitations that we do in the aerospace industry.Using batteries as a power assist during takeoff and climb are very promising options. Taxiing to the runway using just electric power could also save a significant amount of fuel and reduce the local emissions at airports.
What do you expect to see in the near term from sustainable aviation?Shorter term we’ll see more use of sustainable aviation fuels, or SAF. With today’s engines, you can dump sustainable aviation fuel into the same fuel tank and burn it. Fuels made from corn, oilseeds, algae and other fats are already being used.
Airlines can also optimize their operations in the short term, such as route planning to avoid flying nearly empty planes. That can also reduce emissions. Airbus is doing a lot of research on hydrogen combustion using modified gas turbine engines with an A380 platform, and aiming to have mature technology by 2025. Australia’s Rex airline expects to start testing a 34-seat, hydrogen-electric airplane for short hops in the next few years.
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