Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on August 14, 2019 at 10:54pm

I haven't heard of anyone doing it yet. I think you should pave the way forward.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Zepp on August 17, 2019 at 8:38am

Hi Mark, I have been a brushless motor engineer for 25 years. The motor and controller technology is here, but even the best lithium batterys lag far behind. First applications will be electrically launched sailplanes, followed by small electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) air taxis with replaceable battery packs for short hops. My Zenith Zodiac with Viking Honda 110 HP will give the range and power that I need. It is truly amazing how much energy is in 1 gal. of gasoline compared to battery power! Best Regards, Larry Zepp

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Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on August 21, 2019 at 1:19pm

I think we are considerably further along. Below is a link that talks about six companies to watch. Highlights include "Alice" (maiden flight planned late this year) 650 mile range, 276 mph, 9 seats, $165 per hour operating cost.

https://www.greenbiz.com/article/6-electric-aviation-companies-watch

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Permalink Reply by Dan Broom on August 22, 2019 at 2:51pm

Great thread and discussion!  Electric power is very intriguing....Are there any estimates of when electric engines may be available for homebuilders?

Dan

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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Stapleton on December 31, 2021 at 11:26am

I would like to see this...with the power and torque of electric motors, we are talking INCHES on takeoff!

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Fay on August 26, 2019 at 10:58am

The Zenith Mission is not a great match for electric motors. The STOL/701/801 is too draggy, even the Cruzer is still too draggy and the wing profile takes too much power. The 650 does not have the gross weight. The composite planes are really better built for this because they can go reasonably fast on "Cruise" power. At slower speeds they can make the battery last, but still fly fast enough to be useful and make efficient use of the wing. It takes too much power on our "Dirty" planes to be good platforms for electric right now. A battery capacity revolution might changes this, but Zeniths are meant for a different mission then pure energy efficiency.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on August 27, 2019 at 8:48am

It also takes more fossil fuel to fly a high drag airplane at the same speed. Any mission has a set fuel requirement. In electric, the fuel must be substituted with batteries, so fuel intensive missions are not appropriate for battery powered airplanes. The problem is the mission, not the airplane. Fly more slowly and don't fly as far. Don't let this stop you. I want to see an electric Zenith.

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Fay on August 29, 2019 at 1:59pm

Cool to see, is there a blog or project webpage?

What is the Max Gross weight on this?

Does empty weight mean with the Batteries?

1320-950 gives 370lbs of useful load which is two 185lbs folks with no baggage, or two sub-faa weight folks with bags.

Can't be used for commercial training, so what it the mission?

How long to charge the batteries?

Is this flying already?

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Permalink Reply by Martin Bima on May 6, 2022 at 8:56am

My mission is flying around locally very slowly and lowly, sometimes looking for lost dogs and horses and checking the saskatoon berry bushes for ripeness and density. Ideal for electric. This mission can not be done in a slick plastic plane that cruises at 100+mph. How do you even go through the Tim Hortons drive-thru?

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