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“We can overcome these limits”: Eight electric motors and 800 km of autonomy, the electric plane proposal to overcome the limits of batteries

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 17/08/2024 às 18:09
''We can overcome these limits": Eight electric motors and 800 km of autonomy, the electric plane proposal to overcome the limits of batteries
Elysian Aircraft E9X

Elysian Aircraft's E9X wants to redefine the future of aviation with its promise of zero emissions and energy efficiency.

In the race for a more sustainable future, where CO2 emissions are increasingly tackled, the aviation sector still faces major challenges. However, Dutch startup Elysian Aircraft believes it has found a revolutionary solution: an electric plane with eight electric motors and an impressive range of 800 kilometers.

In recent years, advancements in electric vehicles have dominated the automotive sector, but what about the skies? While electric and hybrid cars take to the streets, the electric plane is still seen as a distant dream. But Elysian Aircraft wants to change that narrative with its E9X model, a 100% electric plane, which promises to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to current narrow-body aircraft.

Achilles heel for any electric plane project

The big Achilles heel for any electric plane project is, without a doubt, the capacity of the batteries. Reynard de Vries, director of design and engineering at Elysian, recognizes this obstacle, but believes the E9X can fly much further than current predictions suggest. “What most studies say is limited. We believe that, with the right decisions, we can overcome these limits,” said de Vries.

The solution? One complete redesign of the traditional fuselage. Rather than simply adding batteries to an existing plane, Elysian developed a larger, heavier model, but with a thinner fuselage and batteries distributed across the wings. The plane will feature eight electric propeller motors, positioned along the wings, which also house the landing gear, a significant change compared to current planes.

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Autonomy and emergency: the promise of 800 kilometers

One of Elysian's biggest bets is ensuring that the E9X can fly for up to 800 kilometers on a single charge. That may not seem like much compared to traditional planes, but it's a milestone for an electric plane, especially considering the type of regional routes it was designed for. And even in more conservative scenarios, the company expects the E9X to achieve at least 480 kilometers of autonomy.

To face unforeseen events, such as the need to fly for longer due to airport delays, the E9X will be equipped with an emergency power system based on a gas turbine. This solution, according to the company, can provide a few extra kilometers, ensuring greater safety during flights.

Fast charging and infrastructure are problems to be overcome for the electric plane

Other critical challenge for viability of an electric plane is the battery recharging time. Elysian promises a maximum recharge time of 45 minutes, which represents a slight increase compared to the current response time of airlines, especially low-cost airlines. The goal is to reach an average of 30 minutes, which, according to the startup, would be a remarkable feat for an aircraft with 90 passengers.

And look how cool, Elysian plans for the E9X to adapt to the existing airport infrastructure, without the need for major upgrades at the airports. This is a strategy to facilitate the adoption of electric aircraft by regional and suburban airlines, in addition to exploring abandoned or neglected airports due to noise and emissions limitations.

Rolls-Royce sold its electric motor division

While Elysian is betting everything on the E9X, other giants in the sector, such as Rolls-Royce, have already hit the brakes on similar projects. Rolls-Royce, which had already developed a prototype electric plane with a 400 kW engine, decided to change its strategy in 2023, selling its electric engine division. This raises questions about the commercial viability of the electric plane, but Elysian remains optimistic that the electrification of aviation can be achieved sooner than expected.

Whether or not the Dutch startup will be able to deliver on its promise, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the electric plane is one of the most audacious bets for a cleaner and more sustainable air travel future. With eight electric motors and 800 kilometers of autonomy, the E9X could be the first step into a new era in aviation.

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gustavorrezendeD
gustavorrezende(@gustavorrezende)
19/08/2024 03:25

800 km? Better to go by car, cheaper.

Anti-scratch Dophata
Anti-scratch Dophata
19/08/2024 04:24

What's all this for? I'm ****ed by the strength of the lies of the world's leftists. They managed to convince the world and the idiots that man interferes in the planet's climate. It's hard to have to live hearing this all the time.

Net
Net
In reply to  Anti-scratch Dophata
23/08/2024 00:48

If black smoke **** causes damage to the human body, causing all kinds of diseases, including impotence, depression and death, imagine what it does to the planet **** and those who don't see it don't want to see it in the name of false profit, profit, health is priceless

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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