The Electric Aircraft Takeoff
February 13th, 2008
The introduction of the E-plane ended the inability to use an electric motor as the energy source for a manned airplane. The first E-plane was a compact two-seat carbon composite plane powered by Toyota Prius batteries and a 100-hp motor. It had an impractically short range, very much similar to the earliest electric cars. The plane’s range was expected to increase dramatically once it flew on fuel-cell alone.
A fuel-cell airplane is a lot quieter and more efficient wherein the propeller would be the only source of noise. The plane will be able to fly for at least an hour on two pounds of hydrogen. NASA studies suggest that cheaper fuel cells is the most viable alternative to heavy piston engines if the automotive industry would be more open to fuel cell cars.