We’ve seen electric cars make huge strides, so it’s only natural to wonder—why aren’t electric planes flying us across countries yet? It’s a fair question, especially with the world focusing more on sustainability and cutting down emissions.
The idea of electric aircraft has been around for a while, and small-scale trials have already taken place. In fact, some short-range prototypes like the Pipistrel Velis Electro and Eviation’s Alice are showing promising results. But scaling that up to a commercial airline? That’s where things get tricky.
The biggest challenge is battery technology. Airplanes need a massive amount of energy to take off and stay airborne. Current lithium-ion batteries just don’t pack enough power while staying light enough for commercial flights. For example, jet fuel gives you far more energy per kilogram compared to batteries, which makes long-haul electric flights unrealistic with today’s tech.
Then there’s the issue of infrastructure. Airports and aviation companies would need to invest heavily in charging stations, maintenance training, and safety systems specifically for electric aircraft. That’s a big ask for an industry already hit hard by fuel prices and economic changes.
Still, it’s not all bad news. Many companies are working on hybrid systems or short-range electric planes ideal for 100–300 km regional hops. That could be the first real step before longer journeys become feasible.
So while electric aircraft aren’t ready for takeoff at scale just yet, the industry is definitely on the runway.