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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Environment
This robot loves cleaning pools more than you do! Meet Fanttik Aero X Robotic Pool Cleaner
Warm weather is nearly here, and there’s no better way to get your swimming pool ready than with the Fanttik Aero X Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner. Developed by a core R&D team with DJI lineage, led by the former product lead of DJI FPV (First-Person View), it brings drone sensor technology to the world of pool-cleaning robotics.
And for a limited time, Fanttik is offering a special discount of $300, which drops the price from $1,199.99 to just $899.99! Plus, you’ll receive a free gift when you purchase through Fanttik’s official website or Amazon store.
Introducing the World’s First S-FSD™ TurboClean Robotic Pool Cleaner
12 S-FSD™Precision Sensors | 6-Hour Working Time | 5,382 sq.ft Cleaning Area | 16,000 mAh | 2-Year Warranty
The Aero X is proudly branded as “The World’s First S-FSD™ TurboClean Robotic Pool Cleaner,” showcasing cutting-edge technology that makes pool maintenance faster and easier than ever.
Intelligent cleaning with S-FSD™ Technology
At the heart of Aero X is Fanttik’s innovative S-FSD™ Technology, boasting 12 sensors (2 water immersion sensors, 2 sonar sensors, 1 gyroscope sensor, 1 accelerometer sensor, 4 power sensors, 2 speed sensors) and powered by AquaPilot™ intelligent path planning. AquaPilot™ provides real-time tracking and coverage, ensuring the robot efficiently cleans every inch of your pool. Its advanced navigation algorithm calculates optimal cleaning routes, thoroughly addressing the floor, walls, and waterline without missing a spot.
Check out the Fanttik Aero X Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner’s S-FSD™ Technology in action here.
4X cleaning efficiency with TwinFlex™ dual system
TwinFlex™ Dual System = SwiftCruise™ Wheel System + AdapDrive™ Brush System, the Aero X ensures every inch of your pool sparkles.
- SwiftCruise™ Wheel System: With specially designed smaller front wheels and larger rear wheels, Aero X easily maneuvers around pool edges, corners, and tricky areas, adapting smoothly to different pool shapes and surfaces, including concrete, ceramic tiles, vinyl, fiberglass, and more.
- AdapDrive™ Brush System: Its wide 15.7-inch rotating brush (the widest brush in the pool robot, vs. industry standard of 11.8–14.2 inches) dynamically adjusts its rotation speed for superior cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, delivering an impressive cleaning speed. Your pool will be spotless and swim-ready faster than ever.
- Large-Scale Cleaning, Zero Battery Anxiety: Aero X with runtime up to 6 hours, with 16,000mAh, the largest battery capacity in wireless pool-cleaning robots, covering a cleaning area up to 5,382 sq.ft. Equivalent to cleaning 12 medium-sized home pools or 2.5 standard tennis courts in a single full charge.
Smart control at your fingertips
Managing your pool cleaner has never been simpler. Use the Fanttik app to set cleaning modes or control the robot in real time without removing it from the water. Need a quick adjustment? The handheld remote provides precise control, letting you target specific areas effortlessly.
User-friendly design for effortless maintenance
Fanttik’s Aero X isn’t just powerful—it’s incredibly user-friendly. Monitor the filter basket status through the app for optimal performance. When the battery runs low, Aero X intelligently docks itself at the poolside for easy retrieval. Real-time voice prompts make operating the Aero X an intuitive and enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, what Fanttik’s Aero X gives you is much more time for fun. You get more time with family and friends to enjoy the water and relax outdoors. Isn’t that the entire point of having a pool? The Aero X works hard and smart(comes with a 2-year warranty), so you don’t have to.
Award-winning design and trusted partnership
The Aero X is a recipient of the prestigious American Good Design Award, which is recognized for its innovation and excellence.
Fanttik, the official partner of the UFC, Brooklyn Nets, and NASCAR drivers Noah Gragson and Cole Custer, has leveraged years of expertise to perfect this outstanding product.
Don’t miss this limited-time offer on the Fanttik Aero X Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner!
Enjoy a $300 discount for a limited time, dropping the Aero X from $1,199.99 to just $899.99 [page displayed discount + check the coupon (if available) + use code ELECTREKPOOL (for Amazon) at checkout], plus receive a free gift: 1X Fanttik W10 Apex Mini Chainsaw (able to cut 135 pieces of 2″ pine) OR 1X Fanttik C8 Nano Electric Scissors (easily cuts cardboard, carpet, and leather).
This exclusive offer is available on Fanttik’s official website and Amazon store. Act fast to revolutionize your pool maintenance experience this summer!
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Global renewable developer and energy giant RWE has halted its US offshore wind operations “for the time being” because of the “political environment” the Trump administration has created.
RWE, Germany’s biggest electricity producer, said in March that it had dialed back its US offshore wind activities. But now, CEO Marcus Krebber said in a speech transcript, which he’ll deliver at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Essen on April 30, that its US offshore wind business is now closed (but it wasn’t all bad news):
In the US, where we have stopped our offshore activities for the time being, our business in onshore wind, solar energy, and battery storage has so far been developing very dynamically. At the start of this year, we reached an important milestone when our US generation capacity hit the 10 gigawatt mark. The construction of a further 4 gigawatts is secured.
He went on to say that renewables have created regional value and jobs, but that the company remains “cautious given the political developments.” RWE has introduced more stringent requirements for future US investments:
All necessary federal permits must be in place. Tax credits must be safe harbored and all relevant tariff risks mitigated. In addition, onshore wind and solar projects must have secured offtake at the time of the investment decision. Only if these conditions are met will further investments be possible, given the political environment.
About half of RWE’s installed renewable capacity is in the US, where it’s the third-largest renewable energy company through its subsidiary, RWE Clean Energy. RWE holds the rights to develop US offshore wind projects in New York, Louisiana, and California.
RWE paid $1.1 billion for the New York lease area in 2022, where it’s meant to develop the 3 gigawatt (GW) Community Offshore Wind with the UK’s National Grid. Community Offshore Wind was projected to come online in the early 2030s and expected to power more than a million homes.
The developer paid $5.6 billion for the Louisiana lease in the Gulf of Mexico in 2023 as the lone bidder for development rights, and the Canopy Offshore Wind project off Northern California was not expected to be completed for another decade.
Read more: Trump admin halts $5 billion NY offshore wind project mid-build
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