I clearly got the energy density part wrong. I was going on (obviously faulty) memory.
Also, I hadn’t realized that the energy density of a lithium-air battery is so high. That’s very interesting.
I felt the need to play devil’s advocate, because I think that there’s too much of a tendency to politicize certain technologies on FR. To me, technological options should be judged on their merits; and not by a political litmus test.
I realize that air cars, battery-electric cars, hybrids, etc. have been politicized by the “other side” — all part and parcel of the greatest boondoggle of all times (the AGW, carbon-credit, “green” energy subsidy, anti-coal, wealth-redistribution, knock-the-west-down-to-size, watermelon conspiracy). That does make it hard to be dispassionate about any technology that gets ensnared in that mess. I have a simple rule for approaching such technologies: if it’s subsidized, criticize; if it’s a product of free markets — then leave it to willing buyers and willing sellers.
As a confirmed gadget freak; if I had the mad money I might indulge myself with an air car, or air motorcycle, just to play with it.