Dutch startup Elysian has received $10 million in investment from Panta Holdings to design a multi-seat airplane with an all-electric propulsion system. So far, it is only a concept, the capabilities of which are confirmed by theoretical calculations. However, the authors are confident that they will be able to build a working prototype by 2033.
According to the Elysian developers, their brainchild will be able to overcome 800 km on a single charge of batteries with a capacity of 360 W⋅h/kg. Today there are already 500 W⋅h/kg versions, which will increase the trip to 1000 km, after which the aircraft will be able to claim to serve about half of all commercial flights in the world. This should be a revolution of sorts and abolish the myth that electric technology is too heavy and uncomfortable to fly.
Structurally, the Elysian resembles the narrow-body airplanes of the middle of the last century, which were characterized by low energy efficiency. It has long and wide wings with curved ends, inside the wings is located the entire volume of batteries and landing gear, which gave the airframe weight savings of 15%. Experts note that $10 million will be clearly not enough to build such a vehicle, it will take billions of dollars and years of work.
