The future of aviation is looking brighter than ever as new technologies emerge to make the industry greener and more efficient. Battery-electric and hybrid electric air travel is paving the way for a new era of advanced air mobility, creating exciting new ways to move passengers, cargo and more.
There are two different technologies innovators continue to explore as the aviation industry moves to achieve its decarbonization goals. These include battery-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. While they both work to make aircraft more environmentally friendly, how do they differ?
Battery-Electric Aircraft
Battery-electric aircraft could be the future of short-range travel. These aircraft do not use conventional jet fuel or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Instead, they run entirely on batteries to produce zero emissions.
Typically, all-electric aircraft have a far shorter range than their hybrid or fuel-powered alternatives. But that doesn't mean they don't present many exciting use cases. Experts see battery-electric aircraft as a viable option for short hops. For example, it can be a great solution for air taxis moving people within city centers. Alternatively, it presents a compelling use case for commercial delivery, emergency services and more.
Hybrid Electric Air Travel
While all-electric aircraft presents many unique opportunities for short-range travel, hybrid-electric aircraft opens up more possibilities for cleaner air travel. This technology still uses batteries for more efficient operations. But, aircraft has the added benefit of fuel-powered combustion.
Hybrid-electric aircraft is a more flexible alternative to all-electric aircraft. They can handle short-range travel using nothing but battery power. But when long-range travel is necessary, the propulsion system will automatically move to fuel energy sources. As a result, hybrid-electric designs can handle long-range regional trips, moving through existing air corridors or creating new ones for more efficient travel.
Hybrid technology is also changing current airplanes. Many heavy hitters in the aviation industry are exploring hybridization to improve efficiency for commercial air flights. The hybrid-electric systems can handle tasks like taxiing, pushback and wheel operations. Once the aircraft hits cruising altitude, other power sources can recharge the batteries, enabling them to assist during landing.
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