The thing about the ion thrusters is that you still have to carry some propellant . Since you can ' t generate more propellant it will eventually run out . The em drive is so crazy because it only uses electricity which can be generated by nuclear or solarin a star system means and theoretically will not run out . Of course the ion thruster is currently better than the em drive as we have had ions for about 50 or so years now . The scientists were also working on the concept for around 50 or so years before they had a working prototype . The EM Drive has been out for about 2 years . Only time will tell if the theories turn out to be right or not . Also , relevant xkcd <| sep |> First thing I thought too ! <| sep |> hey do you have the 43 inch model ? i have some serious gradient banding and wondering if yours is the same !