Caixin Weekly | Operational Challenges: Can Hybrid Power Help Low-Altitude Flight Overcome Obstacles? (AI Translation)

财新周刊｜航程制约商业运营 混合动力能否助低空飞行突破瓶颈

The burgeoning industry of Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing vehicles (eVTOLs) is at the core of what is described as the "low-altitude economy," attracting significant interest from policy-makers and investors globally [para. 1]. While European and American firms lead the general aviation sector, Chinese companies have gained a strategic advantage in the eVTOL field, potentially paving the way for similar advancements as seen with new energy vehicles [para. 1].

For eVTOLs to establish value, they must transition from trial flights to full commercial operations, evolving into a high-speed, high-capacity transit system[para. 1]. However, current limitations in battery technology restrict the range of pure electric eVTOLs to around 200 kilometers, leading to challenges in broader applications[para. 2]. To overcome these barriers, hybrid power systems are being explored, with companies like Dream Aero-Tech and Blue Sky Aviation in China developing hybrid eVTOL models, offering ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers for cargo and 600 kilometers for passenger variants[para. 3][para. 5].

Hybrid eVTOLs, incorporating range-extending and hydrogen fuel cell hybrid systems, present a promising yet complex alternative to pure electric models, suggesting a parallel evolution to that of hybrid cars in the new energy vehicle industry [para. 5]. These systems offer improved operational efficiency but also introduce production complexities and regulatory hurdles, as aviation authorities have limited experience with hybrid airworthiness certification [para. 5].

Internationally, battery endurance remains a challenge. Despite successful test flights exceeding 200 kilometers by companies like Joby Aviation and Pangea Aerospace, these achievements often overestimate operational capabilities without passengers and under specific conditions [para. 10]. The real-world operational ranges are often less than 100 kilometers due to regulatory safety margins and battery limitations [para. 15].

The industry faces significant obstacles in enhancing battery technology—with energy densities currently lagging behind automotive counterparts—striving towards solutions like solid-state batteries and novel anode materials [para. 19]. These innovations could boost energy density but face drawbacks such as slow charging rates and reduced cycle life [para. 19][para. 22].

To mitigate range anxiety, the industry is exploring ultra-fast charging and battery swapping solutions, mirroring strategies in the electric vehicle sector. For instance, companies like BETA in the U.S. and Volocopter in Germany are developing fast-charging stations and battery-swapping models, although these involve substantial costs and logistical challenges [para. 25]. The higher energy needs of eVTOLs compared to electric vehicles imply significant infrastructure investments for effective implementation [para. 25].

Despite the potential benefits, the complex structure of hybrid eVTOLs results in higher initial costs compared to pure electric models, though operational costs may stabilize as the industry matures[para. 30]. In the long run, it's anticipated that both fully electric and hybrid eVTOLs will coexist in the market[para. 30].

In terms of regulation, Chinese aviation authorities have begun accepting applications for type certification from several eVTOL companies, though hybrid models may face additional certification challenges due to their intricate systems [para. 33]. The authorities express a willingness to support diverse technological paths in the aviation sector, marking a progressive stance toward the innovation-driven eVTOL landscape [para. 33].

As the eVTOL field advances, companies are accelerating efforts for product development and certification, albeit hybrid eVTOLs may enter the commercial market slightly later than all-electric counterparts. Companies like Dream Aero and Tianlingke have ambitious timelines to submit for certification within the next three years, signaling a competitive race to meet airworthiness standards and capitalize on this emerging aviation segment [para. 41].