World’s largest electric cargo plane unveiled, here’s how far it can fly on its own
A new zero-emission autonomous electric cargo plane was unveiled Monday that could be a game changer in the shipping industry. The electric plane is the largest zero-emission cargo aircraft, featuring “unprecedented payload and range capabilities.”
Founded in 2017 in CEO Michael Norcia’s parent’s garage, Pyka is now a leader in electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
Initially, the focus was on crop spraying rather than cargo, with fewer regulations and hurdles to clear. After raising a $3 million round in March 2018 from Y Combinator, a tech startup accelerator, Pyka set up to design and build its first product, the “Egret.”
By May 2019, Pyka certified the Egret for commercial operation with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, making it the first human-scale electric aircraft for commercial work.
Shortly after raising another $8 million in funding, the company flew its second-generation electric crop sprayer, the “Pelican.” The Pelican would soon go to work spraying bananas for major customers in Costa Rica.
In July 2021, Pyka’s Pelican was the first autonomous fixed-wing aerial to spray over a banana crop field. The young aviation company is now making history again, introducing its Pelican Cargo, the world’s largest autonomous electric cargo plane.
Pyka reveals the largest autonomous electric cargo plane
Pyka, gave us a glimpse into what the future could look like with its Pelican Cargo. The purpose-built industrial aircraft is the largest zero-emission cargo airplane and the first autonomous vehicle in its class.
The company believes that electrification and automation will make aviation safer while reducing CO2 emissions, as Norcia explains:
Pelican Cargo will have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We designed this plane to eliminate C02 emissions from the logistics chain, while offering a significant speed advantage over ground transportation and operating costs at a fraction of conventional air transportation.
The Pelican Cargo will feature a range of up to 200 miles (with a 20 min reserve) and a payload of up to 400 lbs in 66 feet of cargo space. With a sliding cargo tray, loading can be done in five minutes.
The electric airplane features four electric motors, 100 kW combined power, and a 50 kWh lithium-ion swappable battery. As for charging, you can either swap batteries (a five-minute process) or recharge in around one hour – added GPS and Laser/Radar based navigation allow for night flying.
Pyka says it has secured pre-commitments of over 80 orders and options for its electric cargo plane from three customers. The company is rigorously testing the aircraft at Pyka’s test facility in Northern California, with its first commercial operation expected in the second half of the year.
One of Pyka’s customers, Alex Brown of Skysports Drone Services, had high praise for the electric aircraft, saying:
Welcoming the Pelican Cargo aircraft into our fleet will enable us to continue on our mission of solving complex logistical and operational challenges with tailored drone services. We know a thing or two about drones and in our eyes, the Pelican Cargo is the most advanced product in its payload class on the market.
Electrek’s Take
Pyka is on a mission to make aviation safer, more affordable, and more accessible than ever with its autonomous electric aircraft.
By going electric, customers can save on volatile fuel costs. Not to mention the money saved without requiring a crew to operate it (only one safety monitor is needed). Fewer expenses and labor costs can result in additional trips per day and less waiting time between deliveries, saving both businesses and customers in the long run.
Perhaps, the most important aspect is the CO2 emissions that could be saved with this technology. Air transport generated 915 million tonnes of CO2 in 2019, and the trend is expected to continue rising rapidly as people’s buying habits move online.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. Although the majority of CO2 emissions in commercial aviation is from passenger transport, starting with short-distance freight transport will help make an immediate impact while laying the groundwork for fully electric (autonomous?) passenger flights in the future.
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Iconic British brand Moke International is officially landing in California, bringing a splash of retro style and electric fun to the West Coast with the launch of its California Collection. The medium-speed, open-air electric vehicles – reminiscent of classic beach buggies – are now street-legal in the state, with reservation deposits now open.
It’s a move that’s been years in the making, and we’re finally ready to see these fun-looking rides roll out on US streets thanks to a retail partnership with Shaver Automotive.
The California Collection marks the first time MOKE’s EVs are being sold in the US as fully compliant, street-legal vehicles, following a multi-year process to obtain certification under California’s tough emissions and safety regulations. The vehicles have now gone beyond the 25 MPH limitations of Low Speed Vehicles, doubling that figure to offer rides at up to 50 MPH (80 km/h).
The collection also includes three new colorways inspired by the nostalgic hues of the Golden State: ‘Sonoma Red’, ‘Laguna Blue’ and ‘Venice White.’
As the company explained, “This foray into the state follows MOKE’s groundbreaking achievement as the first low-volume EV manufacturer to secure California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval. With unmatched quality, all genuine MOKEs are handcrafted in the UK, with over 70% of parts sourced from Europe. A limited quantity of 325 MOKEs will be available to purchase throughout the US in 2026.”
Originally based on a British military vehicle from the 1960s, the Moke evolved into a cult-favorite beach car beloved in tropical destinations from the Caribbean to the French Riviera.
Now, it’s gone all-electric, with a 54-mile (87 km) range and a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) from a 33 kW motor that prioritizes fun over freeway.
“Launching in California feels like a true homecoming for us at MOKE,” said Lorne Vary, CEO of MOKE International. “California’s love of sunshine, freedom, and outdoor adventure reflects everything our brand stands for. Partnering with Shaver Automotive means we can finally share that feeling with Californians who have been waiting for their MOKE moment.”
The Electric MOKE is available for order now in California, via Shaver Automotive, with prices starting from $49,500. That puts it well into premium territory, meaning it likely won’t replace the family car, but could be a fun plaything to park at your beach house… for those who own a beach house.
While the MOKE won’t be replacing your daily commuter or long-range EV, it could be the perfect picturesque ride along a coastal road, in a resort rental fleet, or for anyone who values open-air, zero-emission fun over raw performance.
Electrek’s Take
We’ve seen a number of street-legal Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) make their way into beach towns and gated communities in recent years, but few bring the retro flair and lifestyle appeal of the MOKE. And by going the low-volume manufacturer route, they get to offer speeds of twice that allowed by LSVs without needing to meet as many of the complicated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (for better or for worse).
At nearly $50k, it’s a luxury toy, sure. But for the right buyer, it looks like an awesome time on four wheels. California might just be the perfect place for this beach cruiser comeback.
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the image below of Electrek’s founder Seth Weintraub from his youth when he used to ride old school Mokes around Macau, and with a left-hand manual 4-speed gearbox, no less!
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bp pulse is continuing to roll out public DC fast charging across the US, and the company has opened its first-ever site in Arizona, along with new fast-charging locations in Texas, Florida, and Ohio.
In Arizona, bp pulse’s first site is now online at the Petro Travel Center in Eloy, just off Interstate 10 at Exit 200 (pictured). The location features 16 charging bays delivering up to 400 kilowatts, with both CCS and NACS connectors available. While charging, drivers can take advantage of the travel center’s onsite diner, convenience store, ATM, barber shop, and restrooms.
In South Florida, bp pulse’s new fast-charging site is at 2400 Miami Road in Fort Lauderdale, about three miles from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. The site features 16 charging bays, offering a mix of 150 kW and 400 kW speeds, with both CCS and NACS connectors. Its proximity to the airport makes it a handy stop for ride-hail drivers, EV rental returns, and airport pickups and drop-offs, with hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores nearby.
Texas is also getting more high-power charging, with a new bp pulse site at the Petro Travel Center in El Paso, located off Interstate 10 at Exit 37. This location offers 12 charging bays capable of delivering up to 400 kW, again with both CCS and NACS connectors. Drivers can take advantage of the diner, convenience store, barber shop, and restrooms while they charge.
In Ohio, bp pulse has opened a smaller but still high-powered site at a TravelCenters of America location in Hebron, just off Interstate 70 at Exit 126. The site includes six 400 kW charging bays with CCS and NACS connectors, along with access to a convenience store, fast-food options, and restrooms.
These openings are part of bp pulse’s broader plan to build out EV charging across bp’s retail footprint, including bp, Amoco, ampm, Thorntons, and TravelCenters of America locations. Many of those sites are designed to combine fast charging with food, restrooms, and other travel amenities. bp has also said it plans to begin adding EV chargers at Waffle House locations starting in 2026.
Read more: bp pulse opens a huge airport EV fast charging hub in Houston
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The Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Blazer EV were among the vehicles that saw the biggest lease price drops in December.
Cadillac and Chevy EV lease prices drop in December
With the $7,500 federal EV tax credit now gone, automakers are filling the gap with their own incentives. Some are passing on the savings as bonus cash, conquest cash, lease discounts, and more.
Two General Motors electric SUVs, the Chevy Blazer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq, had some of the largest lease price drops of any vehicle in December.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq AWD Luxury model is now listed at $439 per month for 24 months. With $4,979 due at signing, the effective rate is $646, or $28 less per month than in November.
That’s after the Lyriq already saw prices drop by $115 a month from October. However, the December deal includes a $2,000 competitive bonus for owners and lessees of a 2011 model year or newer non-GM vehicle.
The 2026 Chevy Blazer EV FWD LT is now available to lease for as low as $319 a month for 24 months. With $6,039 due at signing, the effective rate is $571 per month, about $60 less than in November. The deal includes a $750 competitive bonus and $1,000 customer cash allowance.
Chevy and Cadillac are offering discounts across their entire EV lineup. All 2025 Chevy electric vehicles, including the Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV, are available with 0% APR financing for 60 months.
Intestingly, the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV is also available with 0% APR financing, while the 2026 Blazer EV is listed with 1.9% APR for 36 months.
Cadillac is offering a $2,000 conquest or loyalty bonus for the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq and select 2025/2026 Optiq and Lyriq models, plus 2.9% APR for 60 months.
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq is available to lease for as low as $319 per month for 24 months, while the 2026 Vistiq is available to lease for $619 per month for 24 months.
Want to try one out? We’ve got you covered. Check out the links below to see what Cadillac and Chevy EVs are nearby.
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