The potential of full-electric aircraft for civil transportation: from the Breguet range equation to operational aspects

The decades-old idea of electric-powered commercial flight has re-emerged alongside high expectations for greener CO 2 emission-free air transportation. But to what extent can electric aircraft reduce the energy and environmental footprint of aviation? What should such aircraft look like, and how does their operation compare to conventional jet aircraft? What technologies are needed and which of them are already in place? This paper goes back to the basics of flight physics and critically analyzes some of the unresolved challenges that lay ahead. Current commercial operations are examined and the short-term effects of any electrification of short-range flights are quantified. Fundamental system components and basic design and operating concepts are analysed to highlight unavoidable constraints that often seem to be misunderstood or overlooked. These limitations are illustrated with a conceptual study of a full-electric FAR/CS-23 commuter aircraft and realistic estimations of its performance. It becomes clear that electric propulsion alone will not fully meet society’s expectations, even if key enabling technologies continue to develop as forecast. Nevertheless, this paper suggests that electrification may instead become one piece of a propulsion-technology mix that would more effectively address our short- and long-term emission goals.