After a long wait, the world’s first zero-emission aircraft are finally a reality. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified a two-seater aircraft made in Slovenia for flight. Within a few years, it would be certified in the UK, the US, and other regions. The Pipistrel Velis Electro became the first fully certified electric aircraft in the world and remains the only one with full certification. However, the uptake of electric aircraft is still a long way off.

Despite the growing number of cleaner aircraft being developed, significant questions remain about the alternative fuels needed to power them, and the political will to implement these technologies is still uncertain.

The environmental impact of aviation

Aviation generates about 2.5% of global carbon emissions, a figure that might seem small compared to other industries, especially considering aviation’s crucial role in the global economy. However, this figure does not tell the whole story. Some studies suggest that the overall climate impact of aviation could be much higher, potentially around 7%, when accounting for non-CO₂ emissions such as contrails and other pollutants that contribute to the greenhouse effect. These contrails, often seen as white streaks in the sky, can form clouds that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, exacerbating the warming effect.

The aviation industry has been making strides in reducing emissions, with improvements averaging about 2% per passenger-kilometer per year due to more efficient aircraft designs and operational practices. However, these gains are being offset by the industry’s rapid growth, which sees demand increasing by around 5% per year. As a result, even as efficiency improves, total emissions continue to rise.

A growing problem

It is estimated that demand for aviation will double by 2040. This growth means that while other industries show meaningful signs of decarbonization, aviation’s total emissions are likely to increase, positioning it as one of the world’s largest contributors to climate change. This is a critical issue, as the pressure to reduce emissions is mounting from both regulatory bodies and the public, who are increasingly aware of aviation’s environmental footprint.

The first electric aircraft: pioneers of a new age

The first electric aircraft are not designed to replace large passenger planes. Most of these pioneering aircraft are built for short-haul flights and are unsuitable for crossing large bodies of water like the English Channel or the Atlantic Ocean. For instance, the Velis Electro is specifically designed for flight training and has a flight time of only 50 minutes, with a 20-minute reserve, covering a maximum range of 185 kilometers. Powered by a 58-kilowatt engine with two lightweight lithium batteries, this aircraft marks a significant milestone in aviation history.

Challenges with battery technology

One of the primary challenges facing electric aircraft is the current limitations of battery technology. Conventional batteries are often too heavy or generate too much heat, making them impractical or unsafe for aviation use. Pipistrel’s innovative design, however, addresses these issues with a sophisticated power transfer system that is safe, lightweight, and efficient. The Velis Electro uses a completely liquid-cooled transmission system, which enhances safety by preventing overheating.

The battery pack of the Velis Electro weighs 70 kilograms, contributing to the aircraft’s total empty weight of 425 kilograms. Despite the different propulsion system, the cockpit of the Velis Electro remains familiar to pilots of conventional aircraft of similar size, with similar controls and a simplified user interface that enhances the flight experience.

Pilots do not need a special license to fly the Velis Electro, though there are noticeable differences, such as immediate power transfer, reduced noise levels, and the absence of an engine warm-up phase before takeoff.

Future developments in electric aviation

Pipistrel has plans to expand its electric aircraft lineup with a four-seat version of the Velis Electro, which will offer a range of 370 kilometers. The company is also collaborating with the European Union on a project called UNIFIER19, an initiative aimed at developing a low-noise, low-carbon mini-traffic aircraft designed to connect remote areas within Europe in an environmentally friendly manner.

Other companies joining the race

Other companies are also making strides in the electric aircraft sector. For example, Israeli company Eviation conducted the first prototype test flight of its nine-seat commuter aircraft, Alice, in 2022. Alice is designed for short regional routes, making it an attractive option for smaller airlines and operators looking to offer sustainable travel options.

Meanwhile, Dutch start-up Elysian Aircraft is developing the E9X concept aircraft, scheduled to fly in 2033. This aircraft aims to carry 90 passengers over a range of around 800 kilometers, with batteries integrated directly into the wings to improve efficiency and aerodynamics.

In the United States, Wright Electric is working on a 180-seat electric aircraft in partnership with EasyJet. Named after the pioneering Wright Brothers, this aircraft aims to serve larger passenger markets and make electric aviation a reality for mainstream commercial flights.

The future of sustainable aviation

While electric aircraft represent a significant step forward, they are just one part of the broader push toward sustainable aviation. Alternative fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, are also being explored as viable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of flying. Each technology has its advantages and challenges, and it is likely that a combination of these approaches will be necessary to achieve meaningful reductions in aviation emissions.

The advent of zero-emission aircraft like the Pipistrel Velis Electro marks a turning point in the aviation industry. However, there is still a long way to go before electric and other alternative-fuel aircraft can significantly reduce aviation’s carbon footprint on a global scale. Continued investment in research, technology, and infrastructure, coupled with strong political will and international cooperation, will be critical in shaping the future of aviation toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly path.

The next few decades will be crucial as the industry balances the need for growth with the urgent imperative to reduce emissions, ultimately determining the success of zero-emission technologies in revolutionizing the way we travel by air.