Earlier quoted context omitted.
> So now we're only 3x-4x of a direct replacement. The math leads out an important factor. As the liquid fuel burns, the airplane gets lighter. A lot lighter. Less weight => more range. More like 6x-8x. Batteries don't get lighter when they discharge.
It's not that simple. Batteries are inherently more aerodynamic, because they don't need to suck in oxygen for combustion, and because they need less cooling than an engine that heats itself up by constantly burning fuel. You can getv incredible gains just by improving motor efficiency - the difference between a 98%-efficient motor and a 99%-efficient motor is the latter requires half the cooling . That's more import…
Electric motors are not 98-99% efficient.
As you alluded to, battery weight is more than ICE weight. EVs are significantly heavier than ICEs.
I'm sure we can expect improvements along the lines you mentioned, but I seriously doubt it will be nearly enough.