Originally Posted by
Wizofoz
Unfortunatly there's not much R&D going on toward increasing energy density. Current batteries are fine for what was always going to be the largest market- land vehicles, so the impetus is toward lower cost and faster charging. It would take a step-change in energy density to levels not currently even theoretically possible to make battery powered commercial aircraft practical, and no-one is really working towards it.
Hydrogen, either through fuel cells or by burning it, is a possibility, but as cars aren't headed in that direction, it means an entire infrastructure just for aviation- not going to happen soon.
Cost will drive innovation
They are striving for increased range in electric cars, obviously with the same or smaller batteries, this will have flow on effects for aviation
The cost of a 100kg battery pack for a car verses say 500kg now will likely be less and as they continue to reduce battery weights for cars and trucks, again, this will flow to aviation
You understand that part of the range issue with car and truck batteries (along with aviation) is the weight of the batteries....