Electric planes might seem futuristic, but they aren’t that far off, at least for shorter flights. Aircraft are some of the most complex vehicles, but the battery weight is the biggest problem with electrifying them. Gökçin Çınar, aerospace engineer and assistant professor, develops sustainable aviation concepts, including hybrid-electric planes and hydrogen fuel alternatives, at the University of Michigan. The faculty expert discusses potential setbacks of primarily electric airbuses, possible alternatives, and whether these technologies will be able to meet the aviation industry’s goals for reducing emissions
