Diamond Aircraft Announces Electric eDA-40

[Roger Roger]

If it works like an electric car, no.

Uphill you lose a lot more battery charge than the downhill recharge on the other side. Maybe someday, but it's just not there yet.

I would think the airplane will always be more lossy. A windmilling propeller has got to be less efficient than a rolling wheel.

 

[mightynimbus]

I would think the airplane will always be more lossy. A windmilling propeller has got to be less efficient than a rolling wheel.

That's along the lines of what I was trying to say/wonder about earlier.
If the prop is "pushing" the motor,and charging the batteries, than it would be like a landing on a dead engine, unfeathered.
But if you kept some thrust in, to better resemble reduced power in regular aircraft, then how could it generate anything at all.

Like last time, I have unwisely chosen to post before getting coffee, or 3-4 IPA's when I actually start making better sense.

 

[DropTank]

If it works like an electric car, no.

Uphill you lose a lot more battery charge than the downhill recharge on the other side. Maybe someday, but it's just not there yet.

I would think the airplane will always be more lossy. A windmilling propeller has got to be less efficient than a rolling wheel.

To both: well, yes and no.
Airplanes are actually MORE draggy than cars simply due to the induced drag and the massive amount of surface are compared to autos. You HAVE to have lift in all phases, up and down while (most) cars need no such thing.

So while an electric airplane is good for local flights, batteries need more density.
But the local airplanes will still be a financial advantage and a good testing ground for high cycle environments.