United Airlines plans to go electric for 200-mile flights

[Jan]

One of the world's largest airlines wants to go electric for short flights

United Airlines — one of the world's biggest air carriers — has revealed plans to electrify its fleet for short-haul flights, The Byte reports.

The electrified planes will initially be used for 200 miles (322km) or shorter routes. However, Airlines Ventures president Mike Leskinen said the airline would look at slightly longer flights in the future.

 

[saor]

Be interesting to see the energy output of the weight of batteries vs the weight of fuel. Are these planes carrying more or less weight with batteries to cover that distance?

 

[wingnut771]

Does weight make a difference when its cruising?

 

[FiestaST]

2028, sounds about right.

 

[WollieVerstege]

Does weight make a difference when its cruising?

Yes, the heavier a plane is the lower it flies. Many international flights will start out at a low altitude and then gain altitude by shedding weight as they burn fuel.

As these will most likely be commuter/turbo prop planes, less of an issue.

Biggest problem is going to be landing. ICE planes get lighter as they fly and land at a lower weight than what they took off with. Undercarriage is built to absorb landing at a lower weight. An EV plane will weigh the same on landing as take-off. Some re-engineering will be needed.

 

[The_Librarian]

And the passengers will all be required to ride bicycle treadmill in order to power a generator for extra juice...

 

[MilitantNightElf]

Glad they did something about that. Now when I go to lanseria from OR Thambo I can do so with a clear conscience.