It's a toy. A long way to go.
There are no widely used electric commercial planes primarily because battery technology lacks the necessary energy density and power-to-weight ratio compared to fossil fuels for large aircraft, leading to
heavy batteries, reduced range, and issues with weight distribution and landing stress. Other challenges include the
flammability of some batteries, limited recharge speed, and the significant cost and time involved in certifying new aircraft designs. While small electric planes are flying for
short-range flights, scaling up the technology for commercial and long-haul flights requires substantial advancements in battery chemistry and aircraft design, such as larger wings for better aerodynamic efficiency.
Here are the main reasons why electric planes are not common yet:
- Battery Energy Density:
Batteries are currently much heavier and store far less energy per kilogram than jet fuel. To power a large aircraft, the batteries would be so heavy that they would take up too much space and weight, significantly reducing the available payload of passengers and cargo.
- Weight vs. Fuel Burn:
Unlike jet fuel, which is burned off and becomes lighter during flight, batteries are a "dead weight" that remains in the aircraft, stressing the landing gear and runways more during landing.
- Range and Reserve Requirements:
The heavy batteries and lower energy density translate to much shorter flight ranges, typically 80-90% less than their fossil fuel counterparts. A crucial safety reserve for emergencies also severely limits the actual usable range.
- Cost and Certification:
Developing and certifying a new aircraft design is a long, expensive, and arduous process. Electric batteries also face issues with high replacement costs and reduced lifespan due to intense usage in aviation.
- Recharge and Infrastructure:
Electric planes require significant time to recharge, which conflicts with the quick turnaround needed for efficient commercial operations. A specialized infrastructure for battery charging or swapping would also be required.
- Safety Concerns:
Some current battery technologies, like lithium-ion, are flammable and pose a significant safety risk in an aircraft environment, especially if damaged during flight.
AI responses may include mistakes.
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The longest flight by a battery-powered manned aircraft was likely the ALIA aircraft by
BETA Technologies, which completed a 336-nautical-mile (622-km) non-stop flight in 2024 from Jamestown, NY, to Plattsburgh, NY. This flight is believed to be the longest non-stop, battery-powered flight of an electric aircraft to date.