The big problem with the small planes is not the engine and fuel (still can't beat AVGAS in term of efficiency), but price; any part that exists in the automoti

The big problem with the small planes is not the engine and fuel (still can't beat AVGAS in term of efficiency), but price; any part that exists in the automotive industry gets a 3 time price increase if it is used in aviation, 5 times if it is certified. A 1.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with 100 HP, that would be maybe 15-2000$ in a car, is ... 17.000$ for a small plane. A mobile radio for aviation starts from $300, a fixed one from $1500. That makes me believe the simple to maintain electric engine will have a 10 times price increase when used in an aircraft, just because they can and also because of all the crazy litigation system in US where 50% of the price of a new plane is put aside to pay for future litigations. In Europe we have huge taxes, so the price is even higher.