Originally Posted by
EDMJ
About 10 years ago, the German LSA manufacturer presented a hybrid Rotax 912 + electric motor/generator combination. The latter would generate an additional 40 hp for take-and climb, and function as a generator during descents. I believe it was also flown, but don't know why the project was apparently discontinued. Now, when you think how far battery technology has come in the last ten years?
https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j...IQC80m9FDoBeqY
That's the sort of use that might be possible: specify an ICE with just enough power for cruise, and use electrical storage for peak power demands. It might or might not turn out to be a win, depending on specifics, but the fact that this project, at the right scale for trials, was discontinued, is suggestive.
On the ground, electric is great for cutting carbon emissions: in the air, alternative solutions are necessary.