The prospect of a groundbreaking fully electric concept plane, the Elysian E9X, looms on the horizon with plans for it to grace the skies by 2033. This innovative 90-seater aircraft challenges previous assumptions about battery-electric planes, boasting a design that could revolutionize air travel within the next decade.
Crafted by the Dutch company Elysian, the E9X is a battery-powered aircraft capable of covering up to 500 miles on a single charge, thanks to a theoretical battery pack boasting 360 watt-hours per kilogram, a standard measure of battery density. For comparison, a Tesla battery falls between 272 and 296 Wh/kg. Optimistic about future advancements, the startup aims to extend the plane’s range to an impressive 620 miles (1,000 km).
This groundbreaking design and its core technology are the result of a collaboration with researchers at Delft University of Technology. Two papers published in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) on January 4 outline the significant advancements challenging conventional wisdom on battery-electric aircraft.
The first paper challenges the prevailing assumption that battery-electric planes are only practical for short-haul flights of up to 250 miles with limited passenger capacity. The study contends that advances in battery technology enable larger aircraft to house denser batteries, but meeting the design specifications necessitates breakthroughs in battery energy density, weight, and efficiency.
Additionally, the study proposes that planes can achieve greater aerodynamic efficiency than previously believed, generating more lift without increasing drag. Calculations based on high-level estimates from previous aircraft indicate a “design space” where both energy density and aerodynamic efficiency can surpass commonly assumed values.
The second paper provides a glimpse into the E9X’s dimensions, featuring integrated batteries in the wings, a low-wing configuration, and folding wingtips. The aircraft boasts an energy consumption of 167 Wh per passenger-kilometer, demonstrating environmental sustainability that rivals or surpasses kerosene, electro-fuelled sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF), or hydrogen-based alternatives. The environmental impact is touted as comparable to land-based electric cars, showcasing the potential for a more eco-friendly future in air travel.