Electric Aircraft Range Calculator

Description

This calculator estimates the range of a battery-powered electric aircraft. The range is the largest distance the aircraft can fly in the absence of wind.

Below are some values for reference.

• Jet liners have L/D around 15.
• Helicopters have L/D around 5.
• The energy density of current lithium-ion batteries is 100-265 Whr/kg.
• The energy density of gas is over 12,000 Whr/kg.
• The Joby S4 eVTOL has a mass of about 2200 kg.
• A kilogram weighs about 2.2 lbs (on earth).
• Electric cars have a propulsive efficiency of about 0.9 from battery to wheel. Presumably an aircraft rotor would get a similar efficiency, but then have further losses converting rotor power to thrust.

As these calculations will show, it's very difficult to obtain a decent range with current lithium-ion batteries.

Equations

The following equations are used to estimate the range \( d \) from the lift/drag ratio \( L/D \), total aircraft mass (including passengers, batteries, cargo) \( m_t \), battery mass \( m_B \), propulsive efficiency \( \eta \) and battery energy density (specific energy) \( \gamma \). These equations assume a constant speed flight and exclude energy required in the cabin for avionics, air conditioning, etc. In reality, takeoff and climb may consume substantially more energy and reduce the range significantly.

We are working on a new article regarding the feasibility of electric aircraft and flying cars. Please check back later.