Batteries for electrically powered aircraft of any design are not simply improved batteries like those used in electric cars. There are many challenges that will have to be overcome, the first two being weight and cost.
Robert Hess, systems engineering manager at BAE Systems, at the Transformative Vertical Flight 2020 conference hosted by the Vertical Flight Society explained, “When you look at current electric vehicle applications, it's automotive that is driving a lot of demand for product …”
Hess continued, “An automotive battery, particularly if we look at a passenger car, is a vehicle that’s only operating maybe an hour, an hour and a half a day. The biggest issue car operators have is range anxiety … passenger cars really look for much lower power levels and much lower utilization.”
Consequently, “Uber Elevate is building relationships with top cell suppliers and is investing in development and validation of battery pack technology tailored for aviation applications,” said Luke Wilhelm, Uber’s head of vehicle engineering. “We do not intend to manufacture battery packs but consider the development of the technology and supply chain as necessary for the success of Uber Air.”