Hybrid electric airplanes are to aviation what hybrid electric cars are to ground transportation, and like them they run on a combination of batteries and fuels. The problem is that no other sector has the same weight restrictions as ours aerospace sector.
This is why it is necessary to be very cautious in the hybridization process of propulsion systems for aviation. Yet electric airplanes are not stuff of the distant future: very little is missing.
A plane Velis Electros two-seater is already quietly buzzing around Europe, while Air Canada announced 10 days ago that it had ordered 30 hybrid electric planes from Sweden Heart Aerospace, which plans to make them (30 seats) by 2028.
Initial approaches, of course, but more time is needed for mass adoption. How much? Let's see'.
How could we use electricity
Using batteries to facilitate take-off and boarding is a promising option for air travel. Another way battery energy could be used to save fuel and reduce emissions is to taxi the plane onto the runway using only electricity. The key is finding the right balance between the weight added by the battery and the amount of electricity needed to achieve net fuel benefits.
Exactly the problem that research is currently trying to solve.
Hybrid electric planes: when will we see them?
Hybrid planes would still burn fuel during flight, but it could be considerably less than what they consume today. Nonetheless, implementation difficulties make hybridization for larger jets a medium-term option.
Much closer hybrid electric airplanes for medium or short routes. From 2030 to 2035, the first hybrid turboprop engines with 50-80 passengers, or simply used for freight transport, should see the light.
A first, small step
There will be some positive signs: first of all, airlines will be able to upgrade small airports, or contribute to the construction of new “regional” hubs, reducing the congestion of large structures.
Secondly, energy savings: there will be, even if the first examples could reduce it "Only" about 10%. The next is expected as the first decade that will see planes equipped with electric propellers put their nose in the sky, in combination with more sustainable fuels (based on corn, oilseeds , algae and other fats.).
While hybrid electric planes aren't ready for mass consumption yet, the signs are positive. And clear: they indicate that they will become more prevalent in the next decade or so. With the potential to reduce emissions up to 80%, will play a significant role in making air travel more sustainable.
