Electric motors for future flight

To get electric passenger planes in the skies requires powerful electric motors, but they must also be small and light. Some kiwi scientists think they could have a solution. Claire Concannon heads to a warehouse in Petone to learn about the promise of high temperature superconducting magnets to make electric motors for airplanes. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. In this episode: 00:00 - Where are our electric planes? 01:00 - The challenge of aviation electrification. 02:48 - The history of the Robinson Research Institute and useful properties of superconductors. 07:00 - The establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology 08:30 - The advantage of superconducting motors for aviation. 11:15 - Airbus’ plans for a future electric plane 12:05 - Warehouse tour and levitation bearings for future motors 14:04 - Basic motor design and characterising AC losses in superconductors. 21:26 - Testing a superconducting generator with Air New Zealand… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details