Electric Aviation: A review of concepts and enabling technologies

Abstract

Electric aviation has become an important area of research following the rapid growth of the aviation industry, which directly corresponds to significant growth in aviation-related emissions. Despite the promising emission reduction potential of electric airplanes, several technological and regulatory challenges restrict the realization of this new regime of sustainable air transport. Significant advancements in enabling technologies, new certification standards, and infrastructural development are required to make commercial air transport viable. This review paper surveys scholarly and industrial literature to identify the main technological areas of electric aviation, including battery technology, electric machine technology, airframe, and propulsion technologies; where the technology currently stands, their future projections, and their challenges. Several electric aircraft design concepts, prototypes, and existing products are also surveyed in this study to identify the constraints of technological advancement and regulatory frameworks that could impede the realization and time to market the proposed electric airplanes.