Electric planes have been around since the 1970s, but they've struggled to take off due to the limitations of battery technology. Even with the invention of lithium-ion batteries, the specific energy of even the best batteries is only 250 watt-hours per kilogram, which is far lower than jet fuel's specific energy of nearly 12,000 watt-hours per kilogram. Certifying electric planes is also an obstacle, as companies must prove that their aircraft is safe, passing a series of tests, including one to ensure that the battery cells won't catch fire. However, companies have started retrofitting old planes to innovate electric planes. Regional flights under 500 miles are the focus of electric planes, which could solve a significant problem in travel.
1. Electric planes could lead to $25 tickets, quieter airports, and shorter runways.
2. Battery-powered planes have been around since the 1970s but have not taken off due to battery limitations.
3. Lithium-ion batteries have improved storage capacity, leading to the creation of planes like the Solar Impulse 2.
4. The aviation industry is responsible for about 2.5% of global emissions.
5. Certification is a major hurdle for electric planes, as safety regulations are much higher.
6. Retrofitting old planes is a current solution for getting certified electric planes in the air.
7. Electric planes are currently being developed for short-haul flights under 500 miles.
8. The development of more efficient batteries is crucial for larger electric planes and could take up to 15 years.