The aviation industry has undoubtedly transformed the way we live and work, providing low-cost travel to anywhere on the planet. However, this mass access to air travel comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the environment and the price of tickets. The burning of fossil fuels to power aircraft results in large CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change, and the increasing cost of fuel has risen exponentially in recent years, making air travel more expensive.
Electric aircraft, or EVs, could be the solution to this dilemma, as they do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, and their lower operating costs could help to reduce the price of travel. But, for all their benefits, EV aircraft face numerous challenges that prevent their widespread adoption.
By far, the first major hurdle that EV aircraft face is their energy density compared to fossil fuels. Lithium batteries, the primary source of energy for EVs, are nowhere near as energy-dense as jet fuel, meaning that large batteries are required to give EVs any decent range. This large battery size inevitably increases the weight of the craft, reducing its efficiency and thereby limiting its ability to carry passengers and cargo.
The heavy nature of EVs also makes them inefficient for cargo transportation. Cargo planes are a critical component of the supply chain, and their ability to carry large volumes of goods over vast distances makes them essential for global trade. However, EVs will not be able to provide this same level of service due to their energy density struggles and high weight, meaning that EVs will only be viable for small passenger aircraft.
The high cost of batteries also presents a major challenge for large-scale EVs. While smaller passenger aircraft may be able to afford the luxury of battery power, cargo planes simply cannot afford the large battery sizes needed to give EVs any decent range.
Developing SAF technologies through collaborations is crucial to meeting aviation’s decarbonisation targets. Boeing's engagement in advancing waste-to-fuel innovations underlines the potential for creating scalable fuel alternatives. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while aligning with governmental mandates for net-zero emissions.
The integration of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production and battery charging is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of electric aviation, and engineers are exploring innovative ways to incorporate renewable energy. Regulatory and safety standards will play a crucial role, as developing and harmonising international standards will ensure safe and efficient operation of electric aviation