Diamond Aircraft has partnered with Electric Power Systems on the development of an all-electric training aircraft, the eDA40.
Targeted to the flight training industry, the airplane will use Electric Power System’s EPiC Ecosystem in the eDA40, which will be a derivative of the certified DA40, according to company officials.
The Electric Power Systems’ Battery Module will be equipped with a DC fast charging system, capable of turning around a depleted aircraft in under 20 minutes, officials add. Batteries will be installed in a custom designed belly pod and between the engine and the forward bulkhead.
Total flight time is expected to be up to 90 minutes as the battery technologies evolve. The eDA40 is expected to reduce operating costs by up to 40% compared to traditional piston aircraft, Diamond Aircraft officials reported.
Initial flights of the eDA40 are scheduled for the second quarter of 2022. Certification is expected in 2023, Diamond Aircraft officials said.
If it ever flies, as mentioned, a recharging unit would be needed wherever it lands to ‘refuel’
‘ 20 minutes’ ? To recharge the needed 200+ kWhr battery would require charging at 600 kw….or 480 volts at 125 amps. Who will pay the $ 10’s of thousands to install it ?
BTW, this battery would weigh 2,200 lb, close to the gross weight of the DA-40….
And, the 40% lower cos is based on the $0.45 per kWhr equiv. for avgas, vs $0.15 for electricity.
Commercial electric rates for this 600kw service are likely to be much higher.
So, best wishes. What else can Santa bring you ?
NASCAR racers, like airplanes, require sustained HP. So it’s illuminating when a Tesla Plaid with it’s 1800 pound battery can only go 5 laps at Daytona speeds, and a NASCAR racer can go 50 laps on 108 pounds of fuel.
“expected to be up to 90 minutes as the battery technologies evolve.”
So NOT 90 minutes now. Unlike petroleum fuel, you must carry that battery weight the entire time instead of losing weight as fuel is used. Battery tech just isn’t moving that fast either.
“expected to reduce operating costs by up to 40% compared to traditional piston”
Riiight. The plane will cost more tho. The charger will cost a bit as well. Places like CA can barely keep the lights on now. So they will just make more electricity? Except they want no coal/NG plants.
Batteries for planes have a long way to go.