Why we do not have electric planes yet. A video.

[drotto]

Kinda a cool video which explains a lot about what the obstacles are. What the math is. And why we do see some small electrics planes.

 

[Lachlan]

I thought it was because the extension cords aren't long enough yet?

 

[Sundancer]

'cause carbon fuels are 50 times denser in energy per pound, vice batteries.

 

[chemgeek]

You can't defeat the laws of physics or chemistry. Disney's First Law does not apply: "Wishing will make it so."

The simple version is that rechargeable electric cells require something to oxidize and something to reduce, and you have to carry both, each of which have considerable mass. A LOT of mass per Joule of energy rendered. A gasoline engine needs to carry only its oxidizable material. The oxidizing agent comes from the air and does not have to be carried in the vehicle. And hydrocarbons carry lots of potential energy per unit mass when combined with oxygen.

For electric planes to approach energy densities of hydrocarbon fueled vehicles will require fuel cells with light elements for fuel and oxygen or air as the oxidizer. But these aren't rechargeable batteries, rather they are refuelable cells. The fundamental problem with rechargeable cells is figuring out how to reduce the mass of the cathode material. Anodes are (relatively) easy-lithium is a light element per electron produced. Cathodes are hard.

 

[asicer]

Not going to lie. I tuned out the narration whenever I saw the C180 washing its tires in the lake.

 

[Lachlan]

Not going to lie. I tuned out the narration whenever I saw the C180 washing its tires in the lake.

Same. I forgot what the vid was about and started waiting for more bush flying!

 

[Brad Smith]

PRACTICAL electric planes are many years away. Enjoy ICE engines while you have them.