Electric/Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Propulsion Systems

The idea of electric propulsion for transportation is not new; indeed, the first cars, nearly 200 years ago, were electric. However, our dependence on fossil fuels over the last 100 years is now being questioned, and as a global society, we are moving toward more-electric transportation solutions. Electric propulsion of aircraft is part of this trend, either all-electric or through a large variety of the proposed hybrid propulsion systems. This article considers some of these systems, their technological requirements, and the ongoing research and development in motors and drives necessary to make this technological change a feasible option for the future of passenger flight.