In the summer of 2015, Airbus sent an electrically driven two-seater, the “E-fan”, across the English Channel. At the same time, “e-Genius”, also a two-seater battery-powered aircraft, developed at the Stuttgart Institute, flew to Milan and back. Energy costs: only 20 Euro.
At present, the Stuttgart Institute is developing a hybrid aircraft. The lithium polymer battery is to be supplemented by a generator powered with diesel, kerosene or agrosprit. The biggest problem remains with the batteries, which are still too heavy. Another problem is the cost. Developing a new aircraft is very expensive. “The range is from 50 to 100 billion euros,” said Gernot Klepper of the Institute for World Economy in Kiel. Development requires a commitment of 20 years. Airbus, for example, expects standard operations for its electric aircraft to commence no earlier than the year 2050. Also, industry representatives demonstrate caution: it will be a while yet before any alternative, environmentally-friendly fuels are implemented. Until then, the industry is focusing on sustainable alternative fuels and “process optimization”. Continue reading “New flight just a dream for the future?”