Searching the forums here and elsewhere, I have not found anything current about building an RV (or other homebuilt) with electric propulsion. The technology is advancing quickly, and several companies (most notably, Pipistrel) are selling complete systems.
I fly an RV-12 built by others, and I'm hoping to begin building one (or maybe something else) in the next year or two. I'm OK with the ROTAX 912 ULS, but what a great advantage to have an electric power plant, if one with enough Kw could be found in a plug-and-play kit. The 40Kw (around 54 HP) Pipistrel kit is too small for most homebuilders' goals.
At this stage of development in the electric propulsion field, I'm more interested in the amazing power to weight ratio, the less expensive maintenance, and the quietness than of being greener when I fly (knowing my electricity will come from one of the dirtiest coal-fired plants in the US).
With batteries, engine and all of the other parts in the Pipistrel kit, it only weighs 165lb.
The 100 HP Rotax ULS in my RV-12 with alternator and exhaust system weighs 137 lbs. It holds 19 gal 91UL that, at 6.35 lbs per gallon, weighs approximately 120.65 lbs, making the the current RV-12 engine and fuel package 258 lbs. Of course, it gets lighter as it burns off fuel.
This is not a fair comparison since the ROTAX makes 46 more horsepower, or nearly twice as much. Presumably the larger electric motor, greater battery capacity to generate at least 70-75 KW might make weight a disadvantage for electric. But, likely not for long. With all major car and most truck companies investing heavily in the technology, it seems a good time to start looking seriously at offering e-options, and even hybrid options for greater endurance.
That electric kit of Pipistrel's is kind of eye-opening. No fluids, tiny little engine that makes 56 HP. Doesn't bolting something like that onto the front (or top, or back) or you project look like a lot of fun?
I fly an RV-12 built by others, and I'm hoping to begin building one (or maybe something else) in the next year or two. I'm OK with the ROTAX 912 ULS, but what a great advantage to have an electric power plant, if one with enough Kw could be found in a plug-and-play kit. The 40Kw (around 54 HP) Pipistrel kit is too small for most homebuilders' goals.
At this stage of development in the electric propulsion field, I'm more interested in the amazing power to weight ratio, the less expensive maintenance, and the quietness than of being greener when I fly (knowing my electricity will come from one of the dirtiest coal-fired plants in the US).
With batteries, engine and all of the other parts in the Pipistrel kit, it only weighs 165lb.
The 100 HP Rotax ULS in my RV-12 with alternator and exhaust system weighs 137 lbs. It holds 19 gal 91UL that, at 6.35 lbs per gallon, weighs approximately 120.65 lbs, making the the current RV-12 engine and fuel package 258 lbs. Of course, it gets lighter as it burns off fuel.
This is not a fair comparison since the ROTAX makes 46 more horsepower, or nearly twice as much. Presumably the larger electric motor, greater battery capacity to generate at least 70-75 KW might make weight a disadvantage for electric. But, likely not for long. With all major car and most truck companies investing heavily in the technology, it seems a good time to start looking seriously at offering e-options, and even hybrid options for greater endurance.
That electric kit of Pipistrel's is kind of eye-opening. No fluids, tiny little engine that makes 56 HP. Doesn't bolting something like that onto the front (or top, or back) or you project look like a lot of fun?