Propelling air to move on the ground is far less efficient than wheel propulsion. You have to give the air at least as much momentum as the vehicle, and without

Propelling air to move on the ground is far less efficient than wheel propulsion. You have to give the air at least as much momentum as the vehicle, and without a very large propeller, this requires accelerating it to a high velocity, giving it much more kinetic energy than the vehicle itself. The energy use while taxiing can be substantial, and the range of electric planes is critical. Wheel propulsion on the other hand can impart momentum at very high efficiency, as well as regeneratively brake.