Originally Posted by
tdracer
Baring a massive improvement in battery energy density vs. weight (I'm talking an order of magnitude), electric aircraft will never be viable for trips of more than a few hundred miles....
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Fully agree and the revolution in battery technology might be around the corner , there are however " fixed rules" that will no change and prevent (or at least seriously hinder) long range use ; The main ones are carrying and landing with the battery weight all the way , and battery recharge time.
Changing empty batteries for fully charged ones was a dream that still need a technological solution as the risk of fire is great. EASA has currently prohibited this on the small aircraft currently being commercialized ( e.g the Velis) . Then there is the notion of reserve ,which needs to be revised and the demonstration to be able to perform a safe go around a Maxi take off weight on near empty batteries.
The fact than range will also depend on the age of the batteries is also an issue. Time might help solve those issues , but it will take many years.