Publication date:
August 6, 2024
Electric Plane Concept Aims to Revolutionize Short-Haul Air Travel
Startup Elysian unveils plans for a battery-powered jet capable of carrying 90 passengers up to 500 miles on a single charge.
Aviation Technology
Elysian, an aviation startup, has introduced a new concept for a large electric aircraft that could transform short-haul air travel. The E9X, a 90-passenger electric plane, is designed to travel up to 500 miles on a single battery charge. This innovative design aims to overcome the limitations of current battery technology that have hindered the development of large electric aircraft.
The E9X concept features larger wings and a slimmer body compared to conventional aircraft. Instead of traditional jet engines, it utilizes 8 propeller engines powered by batteries stored within the wings. This design choice is intended to maximize the plane's efficiency and reduce its overall weight. Additionally, the aircraft incorporates folding wingtips to improve aerodynamics and compatibility with existing airport infrastructure.
While the E9X is currently in the conceptual stage, Elysian plans to build a full-scale prototype by 2030. The company believes that the successful development of large short-haul electric jets like the E9X could significantly reduce the aviation industry's CO2 emissions and enhance the passenger experience with quieter engines.
However, the project faces significant challenges. The E9X would require substantial charging infrastructure, with an estimated 11 to 13 megawatts in charging capacity needed. Elysian has been in discussions with energy companies regarding the installation of necessary charging facilities, with one company quoting a price under 10 million euros.
Despite the optimism surrounding the E9X concept, experts remain skeptical about the viability of large electric aircraft due to limitations in current battery technology. The aviation industry has seen several high-profile electric plane projects abandoned in recent years, including initiatives by NASA and Rolls Royce.
Elysian's approach of redesigning the aircraft around existing battery capabilities offers a potential path forward, but significant technological and infrastructural hurdles remain. The success of the E9X and similar concepts could have far-reaching implications for the future of air travel and the aviation industry's environmental impact.
The E9X concept features larger wings and a slimmer body compared to conventional aircraft. Instead of traditional jet engines, it utilizes 8 propeller engines powered by batteries stored within the wings. This design choice is intended to maximize the plane's efficiency and reduce its overall weight. Additionally, the aircraft incorporates folding wingtips to improve aerodynamics and compatibility with existing airport infrastructure.
While the E9X is currently in the conceptual stage, Elysian plans to build a full-scale prototype by 2030. The company believes that the successful development of large short-haul electric jets like the E9X could significantly reduce the aviation industry's CO2 emissions and enhance the passenger experience with quieter engines.
However, the project faces significant challenges. The E9X would require substantial charging infrastructure, with an estimated 11 to 13 megawatts in charging capacity needed. Elysian has been in discussions with energy companies regarding the installation of necessary charging facilities, with one company quoting a price under 10 million euros.
Despite the optimism surrounding the E9X concept, experts remain skeptical about the viability of large electric aircraft due to limitations in current battery technology. The aviation industry has seen several high-profile electric plane projects abandoned in recent years, including initiatives by NASA and Rolls Royce.
Elysian's approach of redesigning the aircraft around existing battery capabilities offers a potential path forward, but significant technological and infrastructural hurdles remain. The success of the E9X and similar concepts could have far-reaching implications for the future of air travel and the aviation industry's environmental impact.
