Following the debut of the production-intent design of its Helix light eVTOL, electric aviation startup Pivotal has begun selling the personal aircraft in the US. The Helix is unique in that it does not require FAA pilot certification, opening the skies to a larger pool of potential customers… if they have the money.
Pivotal is a light eVTOL specialist based in Palo Alto, California, that gained notoriety in the industry on the wings of its BlackFly aircraft. We covered that vessel’s development when Pivotal was still operating as Opener.aero, only recently changing its name to Pivotal in October 2023.
Alongside news of its rebranding, Pivotal also introduced the Helix – the company’s fourth-generation platform light eVTOL aircraft, featuring much of the same technology as its BlackFly predecessor but with several improvements.
As Pivotal’s first scalable production aircraft, Helix offers US customers who perhaps dreamt of being a pilot a viable option to take flight. Although the Helix eVTOL complies with the FAA’s Part 103 (Ultralight) category, it does not require a pilot’s license.
That being said, its creators do require any and all eVTOL pilots to undergo comprehensive flight training, which it provides. Furthermore, Helix owners are limited to non-congested areas only and must stay well clear of any airports.
During the debut of the Helix last fall, we learned that US sales would begin in early January. This evening, Pivotal shared that its order books for the Helix light eVTOL are now open.
Source: Pivotal
Helix eVTOL goes on sale ahead of summer deliveries
Beginning today, interested US customers can order their own personal Helix eVTOL from Pivotal, starting at $190,000 (before taxes, delivery, and other fees). We’ve learned that the Helix will come available in three separate packages of varying customizations and added features:
Package 1 – Includes white and carbon fiber exterior finish, digital flight panel, canopy, HD landing camera, charger, vehicle cart, custom marking, comprehensive pilot training, and warranty. Base price – $190,000.
Package 2 – Includes gloss white and striped carbon fiber exterior finish and the features above, plus a trailer with a dual-wing cart, a 4K landing camera with recording and sharing features, ADS-B air traffic system, two chargers, and an enhanced warranty. Base price – $240,000.
Package 3 – Includes exterior in gloss white, carbon fiber, plus a custom accent color and includes the features above, plus a premium flight deck, three chargers, beacon aircraft lights, emergency locator transmitter, one additional training slot for a friend or family member, and the option to fully customize the exterior at an additional cost. Base price – $260,000.
Pivotal states that its Helix light eVTOL is easily transportable and can fit inside a 16-foot trailer when disassembled. When future owners are ready to soar, the Helix can be assembled and prepared for flight in 30 minutes. Pivotal CEO Ken Karklin spoke about today’s eVTOL milestone:
We’re proud to begin selling, and soon delivering, our Helix aircraft. The market is ready for the wonder of aerial recreation and short-hop eVTOL travel. We are ready to provide the beauty and freedom of personal flight to a whole lot of people with a passion for flying and an interest in creating a new generation of aviators and aviation
US customers can secure a pre-order of a Helix light eVTOL with a non-refundable $250 application fee. From there, prospective buyers must put down $50,000 to reserve a production slot and will be able to schedule their mandatory flight training from there.
Initial Helix deliveries are expected to begin on June 10, 2024. Check out some Helix pilots experiencing the joy of eVTOL flight in Pivotal’s video below.
Source: Pivotal
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Review: The ST3 Pro e-scooter brings serious suspension alongside smart controls and more as Navee’s latest flagship
As a long-time rider of Segway electric scooters, my expectations are quite high for new brands looking to climb their way up to the standard that the household-name has set in stone at this point. Only within the last few months did Navee come onto my radar, with the brand offering me the chance to test out its latest flagship model, the ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which has been quite the surprise, to say the least. At first, it seemed like it was full of gimmicks that were destined to fail, but after riding around for several weeks now, I can happily say that Segway may just have found a new challenger. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this high-end e-scooter that still retains accessible pricing for the stunning list of features.
To get our full hands-on impression of this new flagship e-scooter, be sure to check out our review here.
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Aventon slashes $200 off new Soltera 2.5 lightweight commuter e-bike for first time, now $999
As part of its ongoing Final Summer Sale/Labor Day Sale through September 3, Aventon has given us the first discount on its new Soltera 2.5 Lightweight Commuter e-bike for $999 shipped. While it hit the market back at the start of the year, it’s been spending all the time since keeping at its $1,199 MSRP, which we’re finally seeing brought down during this sale thanks to these first-ever savings. You’re looking at a $200 markdown that drops the costs down to where its predecessor sat for most of last year, giving you an affordable and lightweight commuter at its best price yet.
Like its predecessors, the Aventon Soltera 2.5 e-bike is a lightweight commuter that is perfect for those living in urban environments, with the 46-pound weight being much more manageable when it comes to carrying it up and down stairs. This model brings much of the same specs and features we saw on the Soltera.2 model, like the 350W brushless rear-hub motor (peaking at 540W) and 9.6Ah battery combo for a 20 MPH top speed for up to 46 miles of pedal-assisted travel (four mode options) on a single charge. One notable upgrade here, though, is the inclusion of a thumb throttle so you’re not just limited to pedal assistance, but keep in mind this lowers its overall mileage.
And for the price, you’re getting a solid array of features with Aventon’s Soltera 2.5 e-bike that only makes the experience here better, including the hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear integrated lighting that offers turn signal functionality, Kenda tires, the continuance of a torque sensor, a Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur, a backlit LCD screen for setting adjustments on top of the USB port for charging devices, and more.
Autel’s newest and most powerful MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A level 2 EV charger drops back to $899 low, more
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Autel is offering the second-ever chance to pick up its new MaxiCharger AC Pro 80A Level 2 EV Charger back at $899 shipped, which matches the price we’re seeing directly from the brand’s website. We saw the first discount bring costs down from its full $1,299 price tag at the end of July, when it fell to this same rate. Now, you’re getting a second chance at this all-time low price, complete with $400 in savings, which gives you the brand’s newest and largest EV charging option for residential use.
EcoFlow’s final Labor Day flash sale lasts through the weekend with up to 47% discounts on four units starting from $649
We’re in the final days of EcoFlow’s Labor Day Sale running up to the holiday, with the brand having launched a 4-day flash sale that is taking up to 47% off four different units. Among them, you’ll find the DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station bundled with a waterproof protective bag for $649 shipped, which beats out Amazon, where you’d have to buy the station and the bag separately for $778 right now. This bundle normally fetches $878 at full price, which we’ve seen brought as low as $616 in past sales direct from the brand while three past exclusive deals have seen it go as low as $541. You’re looking at a 26% markdown here for the next few days of the sale, giving you $229 in savings at the best price we can find. Head below for more on this and the other units seeing discounts during this sale.
Save up to 32% on VIOFO’s A229 series of two and three-channel dash cams starting from $170
Over at VIOFO’s official Amazon storefront, you can find its A229 Plus Front and Rear Dash Cam down at $169.99 shipped. This dual-cam setup has mostly been keeping between $230 and $200 throughout 2025, though we did see it drop earlier in the year to $180, while more recently repeating falls to $170 and getting a one-time-only appearance of the $160 low during July’s Prime Day event. Aside from that short-lived low price, you’re otherwise looking at the best rate we have tracked thanks to the $60 price cut from its tag. Head below to learn more about this model and its two upgraded counterparts that are also seeing discounts.
Get off-grid support with EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 solar generator bundle with a 220W panel at $699
Through its official Amazon storefront, EcoFlow is undercutting its own direct sale pricing on the DELTA 2 Solar Generator bundle that includes a 220W panel for $699 shipped, which beats out its direct pricing by $8 (including the bonus 5% savings). While the package would normally cost you $1,648 at full price direct from the brand, it starts off at Amazon at $1,299, which we’ve seen keeping between $899 and $749 regularly in 2025, with several drops lower – including a one-time fall to the new $659 low that has only appeared during July’s Prime Day sale. Aside from that one-time deal, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, giving you $600 in savings ($949 off the MSRP).
This BougeRV 30-quart electric cooler plugs into any vehicle’s power supply to keep things chilled/frozen at $207
By way of its official Amazon storefront, BougeRV is offering a return of the best pricing on its 12V 30-quart Electric Vehicle Refrigerator/Freezer at $206.99 shipped. It normally fetches $270 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping between $230 and $220 for most of 2025, with more recent falls to $210 and this first-time drop to $207. While we have seen it go a bit lower to $204 in the past, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, which equips any of your vehicles with a low-energy cooler at $63 off the going rate.
For today only, you can get Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC station with a book-sized 60W panel back at $237
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC Portable Power Station with 60W foldable solar panel back at $236.99 shipped. We saw this same one-day-only deal pop up two weeks ago, bringing the costs down from its $330 tag, though it fetches a lower $300 rate directly from Anker’s website (currently at $270), while at Amazon, you can only find its grey variant that currently sits $13 higher. Discounts over the year have mostly taken the price down to $250 with drops as low as $220 back in February. You’re looking at the third-best price we’ve tracked in 2025 and the fourth-best overall, coming in $47 above the low last seen during Black Friday.
Navee GT3 Max Smart Electric Scooter (code SCHOOL15): $561 (Reg. $750)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
The electric Chevy Equinox and Blazer are the most affordable EVs to insure. According to a new study, Chevy’s electric SUVs topped the list, but Hyundai had the most models in the top ten.
What are the top 10 most affordable EVs to insure?
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that electric vehicles can be more costly to insure than internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid vehicles.
Insurance rates vary throughout the US, but much of the higher cost is due to parts repairs. For example, according to a recent study from Insurify, the Tesla Model X is the most expensive EV to insure.
Why? Because it has more expensive parts, like the falcon-wing doors, which can cost thousands to repair alone, depending on the severity.
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The report also points out that fewer EVs in a certain area means fewer insurance claims. To protect themselves, insurers will set higher premiums. Electric vehicles cost $4,058 on average to insure, according to Insurify, which is 49% more than the average cost of insuring a gas-powered car.
Chevy Blazer EV SS (Source: Chevrolet)
For those looking to save, we now have a list of the cheapest electric vehicles to insure. Leading California-based auto insurer, Mercury Insurance, revealed its annual top 10 list of the most affordable EVs to insure.
The Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs topped the list, followed by the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, and Ford F-150 Lightning.
Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5 Limited with a Tesla NACS port (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai’s Kona Electric ranked sixth, followed by the Mini Cooper SE, all Hyundai IONIQ models (IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9), and the Fiat 500e. The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X tied for tenth.
“With federal EV tax credits set to expire in the near future, now is the time to get into an EV for consumers who are interested in one,” Chong Gao, Director of Product Management R&D for Mercury Insurance, said.
Rank
Electric Vehicle
1
Chevy Blazer EV
2
Chevy Equinox EV
3
Nissan Leaf
4
Kia Niro EV
5
Ford F-150 Lightning
6
Hyundai Kona EV
7
Mini Cooper SE
8
Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9 (all EV models)
9
Fiat 500e
10
Subaru Solterra/ Toyota bZ4X
Top 10 most affordable EVs to insure (Source: Mercury Insurance)
Gao said that although insurance costs can be higher, there are still clear benefits to owning an EV, including lower operating costs.
Looking to secure the $7,500 EV tax credit while it’s still here? We can help you find electric vehicles in your area. Check out our links below to find deals on top-selling EV models near you.
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Young “Bare bones” BEV startup Slate announced it is making Indiana the home of production of its flagship model. The company opened the door to the site of its future Slate EV production today, kicking off a process that intends to bring trucks to the public by the end of next year.
It’s always exciting to see an update from young American startups like Slate. This company piqued our interest after launching a tongue-in-cheek website this past March and then coming out of hiding a month later with one helluva flagship model.
It was then that we learned about the startup’s “Blank Slate” design, which revolves around a simplified all-electric pickup with over 100 accessories and a five-seat SUV configuration kit. We also learned that this new model was expected to start below $20,000 after US tax incentives, but that target seems far less likely now that the Trump administration has nixed many of those incentives.
Still, an all-electric pickup starting under $30k should entice many American consumers, and it appears it already has. Back in mid-May, a representative for Slate told Electrek that it had already secured 100,000 reservations for its flagship BEV.
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Granted, those reservations only required a $50 deposit, so we’d expect a mere fraction of that to come to fruition if and when Slate reaches production, but the initial appetite is clearly there.
Speaking of production, Slate hit a noteworthy milestone today, opening the doors to an existing facility in Indiana. It intends to retool and repurpose it to support BEV manufacturing in 2026.
Slate CEO Chris Barman speaking at the Warsaw facility/ Source: Slate
Slate looks to build its EVs in Warsaw, Indiana next year
Today, Slate began its “Demo Day” in Warsaw, Indiana – home to its first planned manufacturing facility. The startup opened its doors and entered the facility in Kosciusko County, which is about an hour Northwest of Fort Wayne, for the first time this morning.
The existing Indiana structure, a former printing plant, will be refurbished to suit Slate’s production needs as it looks to achieve series production and roll its first customer-built EVs off those pending assembly line by Q4 2026. Slate CEO Chris Barman spoke:
What Slate is about to build for America begins in Warsaw. We’re retooling the factory in such a way that truly allows for manufacturing simplicity and rapid scaling. The Blank Slate is made the same way, each and every time: designed to be accessorized and wrapped by the customer after it leaves the factory.
By calling Warsaw, Indiana, home, Slate said it expects to create over 2,000 new jobs and contribute up $39 billion to the local economy over the next 20 years. For now, the immediate focus will be on retooling the Warsaw plant to gear up for BEV production next year. Reservations are still open.
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