Waterloo, Canada – The University of Waterloo’s Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) has been conducting research on electric aircraft batteries with support from the Government of Canada. The study, which has been ongoing for two years, evaluates battery performance under Canada’s varying weather conditions and explores the implications for pilot training.

• WISA has been testing battery-powered electric aircraft to assess performance in Canada’s demanding climate.
• The research involved over 300 pilot-training flights across different seasons, using AI to analyze flight phases based on real-time data collection.
• Findings indicate that the batteries function well in all conditions tested, maintaining stable power delivery up to 10,000 feet without overheating.
• The Government of Canada has committed over $14 billion to aviation climate action, aligning with the country’s strategy to reduce aviation emissions.
• The study highlights the potential for electric planes to support pilot training, reducing both operational costs and carbon emissions.
• Some University of Waterloo aviation students have already participated in simulated training sessions with the electric aircraft at Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre.
• Future research aims to expand student access to electric aircraft training and assess the viability of electric planes for regional and remote air transport.
• The project received $250,000 in funding through the Federal Economic Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Statements:

• “The use of e-planes would enable Canada to expand its internationally competitive pilot-training industry without increasing emissions,” said Dr. Mehrdad Pirnia, WISA researcher and professor. “And since running an e-plane costs less than planes using conventional fuels, there are opportunities for pilot training to be more environmentally friendly and affordable.”
• “The good news is that despite flying in all these conditions, the batteries never overheated and consistently delivered power from circuit height up to 10,000 feet,” said Dr. Paul Parker, WISA’s founding associate director.
• “E-planes could be used for shorter flights between regional airports and provide services to remote Canadian communities. It is a pioneering area of research, with exciting opportunities for a more sustainable future,” added Pirnia.

About Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA)
Based in Waterloo, Canada, WISA is dedicated to advancing research and innovation in sustainable aviation. The institute collaborates with industry and government to develop solutions for reducing aviation’s environmental impact.

Source: University of Waterloo
Photo Credit: University of Waterloo