Why? Energy density way beyond anything battery, and power headroom way beyond anything designed for frugal transport. Short haul passenger flights are not abo

Why? Energy density way beyond anything battery, and power headroom way beyond anything designed for frugal transport. Short haul passenger flights are not about speed but about getting directly to the stopover, without the unpredictability of ground transport. A "powered glider" with separating assist for the climbout could be a great match for that task. And the tug would obviously not really be a tug, but a winged battery directly attached to the aircraft it supports, with barely enough wing for a controlled return. An electric drop tank. Not exactly unheard of in military aviation (except for the "electric", obviously)