solarsell wrote:
Is there a reason an elecric motor with a backup gas or diesel generator
wouldn't work in aviation?

Its not the motor, its the batteries...

Basic physics: with hydrocarbon fuels, you haul 1/14 of what it takes
to stay aloft in the fuel tank, the other 13/14 comes out of the air
around you... With electric vehicles, you haul or store ALL (14/14) of
what it takes to stay airborne.