There will never be 'electric airplanes.' Long after I'm dead we'll probably see some kind of anti-gravity vehicle powered by Mr. Fusion...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCjsUxbNmIs#t=1m10s
...but in the interim, rising fuel prices will eventually turn air travel back to the realm of the wealthy and high-speed electric train travel will fill the gap.
Problem is that requires foresight from today's politicians.