Energy Impacts of Electric Aircraft: An Overview

What is it about?

We study how big of an impact Electrification of our current fleet of aircraft can make on our efforts to de-carbonize aviation. We propose various technological assumptions for a 30 year timeline (2030-2050) to build a static performance models for an all-electric aircraft. Similar models are also built for conventional fuel-burning aircraft, which are then used to compare fuel savings. These aircraft models are then used to determine how many flights and passengers can be replaced from conventional to electric powertrains, depending on the distance and number of passengers. These results are then used to find how much fuel can be replaced by greener alternatives.

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Photo by Luka Slapnicar on Unsplash

Photo by Luka Slapnicar on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is important because it highlights the need for a roadmap for aircraft decarbonization. Even with optimistic assumptions regarding battery technology, all-electric aircraft will not be able to replace most of the passenger-miles flown. This signifies the need for continued interest and research into other alternatives, like hybridization, and Hydrogen based powertrains.