ARTICLE
Holly Boyd-Boland, VP Corporate Development & Sustainab ...
Electric planes have been regarded as one of the best alternatives to cut carbon emissions. The ES-30 has been designed to operate with zero emissions on its all-electric 200 km range. A 50% emissions reduction can be expected on the 400 km SAF-extended range, and emissions at par with a traditional turboprop on the 800 km cruise.
Despite the projected outcomes on the extended ranges, Forslund refrains from calling the ES-30 a low-emissions aircraft. He maintains that the aircraft design has been optimized for short routes, where it will successfully deliver its no-emissions promise. There is also a significant reduction in the nitrogen oxides emissions (NOx) and contrails, he claims.
A major concern with regional air travel is the noise and operating costs of airplanes, which severely impacts local communities. The ES-30, Forslund explains, is much quieter than any fossil-fuel aircraft with less vibration and noise, and has a silent taxi.
Forslund believes that electric technology is a simple and highly synergistic technology. Given its existing use in other industries (like the automotive sector), it’s easier to build on their learnings.
However, it isn’t without its challenges. Getting the technology and the aircraft certified for commercial aviation is a journey Heart is yet to embark on.
Most batteries remain inadequate to take on the task of powering long-haul aviation. Being heavy, batteries also contribute to the maximum take-off weight. There are trade-offs between battery range and charging times — an issue Heart addresses in consultation with partner airlines, Forslund asserts. With the hopes of battery technology improving significantly in the future, Heart has plans to produce a 50-seat aircraft.
In Forslund’s opinion, building a company involves dealing with several challenges at once. He firmly believes in working together with his team members and partners to continue to re-invent and re-innovate, and is not afraid of scrapping old ideas to begin afresh — something he did with his original ES-19 design.
Forslund feels that aviation currently has a bit of a gatekeeping culture that shuns new entrants. He wants to overcome this barrier by being transparent and sharing his story and ideas to inspire people and give them hope about the future of aviation.
Globally, aviation produces 3% of the total CO2 emissions. As the demand for air travel rises, we need to seek alternatives that are more sustainable and low on emissions. Electric aircraft offer the hope the industry needs.
Though still not viable for long-haul travel, electric planes like the ES-30 could be revolutionary in transforming the industry via no-emissions short-haul travel. Government policies and regulatory support are vital to spur the growth of an emerging technology like the ES-30. Policy trends like the European Green Deal that offer loan guarantees and funding for sustainable technologies can provide the right impetus.
Heart’s commitment to adapt, improve and reinvent themselves and their candidness with their partners is commendable. Developing sustainable technologies requires continuous learning and collaborating with actors across the system.
Forslund’s approach to get the ball rolling with short-term 5-year goals is a great call to action. While implementing these goals, it’s important to remember that short term goals must fit well within the long-term, bigger picture of sustainability.
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