Commercial aviation is struggling to reduce its climate impact and is not on track to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite efforts to produce sustainable aviation fuel, alternatives to fuel-hungry jet engines and turboprops remain scarce. Electrification, a solution for road vehicles, faces significant challenges in aviation due to current battery technology limitations.
However, Dutch startup Elysian is challenging these assumptions with plans for a fully electric regional aircraft. This plane, designed to carry 90 passengers and have a range of 500 miles (805 kilometers), aims to reduce emissions by 90% and be ready for commercial flights within a decade.
Designing for Efficiency
Reynard de Vries, Elysian’s director of design and engineering, emphasizes the need to rethink aircraft design from scratch to maximize battery efficiency. The plane, called E9X, is currently in the design phase, with a scale model planned within two to three years and a full-scale prototype by 2030.
The E9X features unconventional design elements, including eight propeller engines and a wingspan of almost 138 feet (42 meters). This is larger than a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, though it carries fewer passengers. The design includes a thinner fuselage, which improves structural and aerodynamic characteristics.
Collaboration and Innovation
The design is a collaboration with the Delft University of Technology, with key principles explained in the scientific paper “A new perspective on battery-electric aviation.” One critical design choice is placing the batteries in the wings rather than the fuselage, optimizing weight distribution and lift.
Elysian plans to use existing battery technology, anticipating improvements over the next four to five years. The conservative range estimate is 300 miles (482 kilometers), with a realistic target of 500 miles.
Practical Challenges and Solutions
The E9X will fit within current airport infrastructure but may face challenges with charging times. The goal is a maximum charging time of 45 minutes, with an average of around 30 minutes. This could slightly extend turnaround times compared to conventional aircraft.
Discussions with airlines suggest interest from regional and commuter carriers. The aircraft’s lower noise and emissions could also benefit secondary airfields currently underserved due to these issues.
The Path Forward
Elysian is not alone in pursuing electric aviation. Companies like ZeroAvia, Eviation, and Heart Aerospace are also developing electric aircraft, each with different operational strategies and technological integrations.
Aviation analyst Gary Crichlow highlights the challenges Elysian faces, including competing with established manufacturers and developing the necessary infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, Elysian’s innovative approach holds promise for the future of sustainable aviation.
Conclusion
Elysian’s fully electric 90-passenger plane represents a significant step towards reducing aviation’s climate impact. With its innovative design and ambitious goals, it could pave the way for more sustainable air travel, provided it can overcome the technological, infrastructural, and commercial challenges ahead.
