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There was a time when having your own plane was a pretty clear indicator that you were part of that upper crust of society. If it was a pricey and rare electric plane, then all the more. But those days are numbered as the influx of compact and powerful electric powertrain components collides with good old American entrepreneurism to create a number of interesting new electric flying machines that now make it cheaper to fly yourself than drive.

To manage expectations, let’s start by saying we’re talking here about a category of aviation known as “ultralights.” These are tiny, single-occupant aircraft that don’t require airworthiness certificates or pilot’s licenses to operate.

There are still a few rules, namely a total weight under 254 lb (115 kg) and a maximum speed of 55 knots (63 mph or 102 km/h). They also can only be operated in daylight or twilight, and are prohibited from flying over any “congested area of a city.” But other than those and a few other smaller rules, they’re largely a wild-west of minimally-regulated flying machines that allow just about anyone with a credit card and working appendages to achieve their dream of powered flight.

For a long time, the motor of choice for ultralights was either a two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline engine. They were readily available and had the power-to-weight ratio necessary to make an ultralight aircraft work (and fit under the 254-lb limit). But as electric motors have become more power dense and lithium-ion batteries have become more energy dense, electric powertrains are becoming increasingly popular for ultralights.

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Electric drivetrains offer ultralight pilots whisper-quiet operation, instant torque, and minimal maintenance. They’re ideal for short, recreational flights where simplicity and low operating costs matter more than range. I.e., they’re perfect for ultralights.

And now that the components used in such drivetrains are more affordable than ever, it’s suddenly becoming cheaper to buy a fully-electric aircraft than buy a used combustion engine car.

Don’t believe it? Check these bad boys out.

In-flight image credit: Screenshot from WhitleyVideos YouTube review (embedded below)

First up is an honest-to-goodness electric airplane. With a wingspan of nearly 27 feet (8.2 meters), the Aerolite EV-103 is described as “perhaps the first viable all-electric fixed wing ultralight aircraft.”

It’s built using the tried-and-true Aerolite airframe that has served as the foundation for countless gasoline engine-powered ultralight aircraft over the years. But the EV-103 makes a few small modifications to the airframe to allow the mounting of a 22 kW peak-rated electric motor in place of the gasoline engine.

Balls to the wall, a top speed of 55 knots (63 mph or 102 km/h) is claimed by the spec sheet, which just so happens to perfectly align with the maximum allowable top speed for ultralight aircraft. However, pilots who have operated the EV-103 have reported that the true top speed is even higher, though it tends to eat through battery life quickly when operated at its highest speeds.

If you thought range anxiety was a thing for electric vehicles on the road, wait until you’re up at 1,000 feet. Fortunately though, you’ve got options.

The electric drivetrain on the Aerolite EV-103 comes with different battery setups that affect the flight time. A minimum of two batteries are required to power the plane, offering 5.2 kWh of capacity and a somewhat underwhelming flight time of 20 minutes. Three or four batteries can be mounted though, upping the flight time to 30 or 40 minutes, respectively, when cruising at around 30-35 knots (40-45 mph or 65-72 km/h). Each of the 2.6 kWh batteries weighs 36 lb (16 kg) and can be removed for charging individually with a simple 120V wall charger, or can be charged all together at once when left on the plane.

The complete Aerolite 103 Quick Build Airframe Kit is available (with some assembly required) for US $17,950. Owners choose their own propulsion system, and the company’s Electric Propulsion System starts at $10,376 for the two-battery package. The three-battery and four-battery setups are priced at $13,739 and $17,102.

For those that don’t want to assemble the airframe, there are ready-to-fly versions available too. The electric EV-103 is priced at between $32,326 to $39,052, depending on the number of batteries.

It’s not exactly lunch money, but it also beats a $300,000 Pipistrel Velis Electro or a $100,000 Jetson ONE eVTOL.

If $30k is still a bit rich for your blood, you’re in luck. If you don’t require fixed wings to feel like a true aircraft, then electric paramotors might be for you.

For just US $6,759, an SP140 electric paramotor can have you flying far above the treetops with a similarly-sized 21 kW electric motor. While it can’t match the speed of fixed-wing electric ultralight aircraft (paramotors are limited by their paraglider wing, which typically can only reach speeds of around 30 knots (35 mph or 56 km/h), the SP140 electric paramotor offers much longer flight times.

The brainchild of Paul Vavra, the SP140 Electric was designed to be an affordable, open-source electric paramotor that would give operators long flight times combined with all the other advantages of electric operation. Paul has refined the design over many years, making it safer and more effective with each new version.

The base 2.6 kWh battery can provide between 20-40 minutes of flight time, while the larger 4.8 kWh battery option can hang around for up to 80 minutes of flight. Even more batteries can be added as well, though by the time you get to 2 hours of flight, the extra weight makes the system less comfortable for foot launching and thus a trike setup becomes more comfortable.

Image credit: Screenshot via OpenPPG YouTube channel

Beyond flight time per battery charge, electric paramotors offer several advantages over electric fixed-wing ultralight aircraft, especially in terms of simplicity, portability, and accessibility. They require far less infrastructure (no runway or hangar needed) and can be transported in the trunk of a car and launched from an open field. Their low cost, ease of use, and slow flying speeds make them ideal for casual pilots, aerial photography, and exploration. And with fewer mechanical systems, paramotors are also generally easier to maintain.

Plus, when compared to gasoline-powered paramotors, electric power obviously offers huge advantages of quieter operation (and silence when the throttle is released), reduced vibrations, and much cheaper operation costs. Gasoline-powered paramotors often cost between US $7.50 to $12.00 per hour of flight, whereas the SP140 costs just $0.60 per hour.

The entire system weighs between 54-79 lb (25-35 kg) depending on the battery option, and packs down to fit in the trunk of a car. In less than five minutes, it can be out of a trunk and fully-assembled (tool-free!), ready to fly. At less than the weight of many electric bicycles (and easier to transport in a trunk, too), I’d argue that the SP140 electric paramotor qualifies as a micromobility vehicle.

Electrek’s Take

Electric aircraft are becoming increasingly common, and it’s no longer rare to see new models capturing headlines. But while fancy multirotor designs that look like scaled up toy drones get most of the press, perhaps these less sexy but significantly more affordable (and actually commercially available) models might be a better real-world solution.

Let’s put the safety issue aside for a moment. I’m going to assume we all recognize that assembling and then taking to the skies in your own largely unregulated flying machine is fraught with risk. But that it’s also your right as an American to dadgum go out there and do it. So let’s just talk about the efficacy first.

Merely looking at the practicality of these things, I can see the argument for them. And it’s not just for recreation, which is of course the primary purpose of ultralights. There are plenty of cases where flying somewhere would just be a more convenient way to get there. Consider rural areas where taking the local state roads or highways could require traveling dozens of miles by car, even if the same distance could be covered in just a few miles as the crow flies. Or as the dude with $7,000 and a healthy appreciation for physics flies.

These could basically be the perfect rural shortcut. You could literally run to the store by ultralight, and it may be quicker and cheaper.

Farm or ranch surveillance would also be a great option. “Out riding fences” isn’t just a line, it’s a real thing that landowners have to do as they inspect miles of fencing for damage, among plenty of other tasks that require monitoring on sprawling personal acreage. Being able to do many of those tasks more quickly from the air could be a major force multiplier.

And while this likely won’t affect the majority of us, anyone who lives in an island chain or even along a coastline might find that an ultralight aircraft is a great way to move between islands or reach destinations along the coast in a faster and more convenient way – not to mention much more scenic.

So sure, personal air travel is still a bit of a niche form of transportation for the average person, but it’s not without its advantages.

And now, as I promised, let’s discuss safety. Yes, these can be dangerous. Just like I know that when I get on my motorcycles, I’m assuming a higher risk than when I get in a car, I imagine the same thought process is necessary for an ultralight aircraft. I’m not telling anyone to go out and become your own pilot. But I AM saying that it’s pretty darn cool that now you can be, that it can be affordable, and that you can finally do it all-electric.

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July Prime Day 2025 Green Deals: EVs, power stations, tools, appliances, more

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July 8, 2025

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July Prime Day 2025 Green Deals: EVs, power stations, tools, appliances, more

It’s that time of the year once again, with Amazon’s Prime Day officially kicking off with plenty of amazing Green Deals and beyond – with several even continuing from earlier July 4th events. The savings train has officially rolled into the station, and this year we’re getting four days of deals that are dropping prices to some of the lowest of the year, alongside many of our favorite eco-friendly tech brands also offering direct parallel sales too. You’ll find price cuts on EVs, power stations, electric tools, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, and much more below, curated together in this one-stop shopping hub. Don’t miss your chance to electrify your life at the best prices while they last during this event. We will be regularly updating this hub over the course of the event, so check back later if nothing catches your eye yet.

July Prime Day 2025 Green Deals

EcoFlow power stations

Prime Day Power Station Green Deals

Segway Xyber e-bike

Prime Day EV Green Deals

ECOVACS robot lawn mower

Prime Day Garden and Lawncare Green Deals

aiper smart device

Prime Day Appliance and Device Green Deals

***All prices subject to change at any time…cash in while you can!

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Rivian R1 Quad kick turns into the new EV Halo car brand

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4 hours ago

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July 8, 2025

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Rivian R1 Quad kick turns into the new EV Halo car brand

Rivian R1T Quad

Rivian flew us out to Lake Tahoe to show off the crazy capabilities of its new quad-motor powertrain on both its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. Rivian’s original R1S and R1T were quad-motor vehicles, but as of the second generation of the R1 platform, only dual and tri-motor variants existed. So why quad? Why now?

First of all, let’s get the specs out of the way. The new Rivian Quad is a beast, all the way from its $120,000 price tag to its over 1,000 horsepower and 1200 lb-ft torque.

  • Prices for R1T start at $115,990 USD / $190,990 CAD and the R1S starts at $121,990 USD / $201,990 CAD – Deliveries begin summer 2025
  • Launch Edition R1T starts at $119,990 USD / $196,990 CAD and Launch Edition R1S starts at $125,990 USD / $207,990 CAD. Rivian is reintroducing Launch Edition for the Gen 2 Quad, celebrating the configuration that first defined our commitment to all-electric performance and adventure.
  • Destination and freight charge is $1,895 USD / $2 ,695 CAD
  • Powertrain: Horsepower: 1,025 hp Torque: 1,198 lb.-ft.
  • Performance 0 – 60 MPH 2 .5 sec R1T, 2 .6 sec R1S, ¼ Mile Time 10.5 sec, VMax 130mph
  • Range: EPA-estimated up to 3 74 miles of range (Up to 400 miles in Conserve mode)
  • Charge Port: NACS (North American Charging Standard)

How does one characterize this massive spec monster in the larger vehicle landscape? Before we try to get our head around that, there is more.

The Rivian R1 Quad brings back tank turn as a new feature: Kick Turn – And it is actually useful.

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From our history books, we know that one of the features that the original R1 Quads touted was the ability to turn in a circle/spin on its axis by having its right side wheels spin one way and its left side wheels spin the other. While the ‘tank turn’ disappointingly never made it to the original production vehicles, Rivian hadn’t let go of the idea.

Kick Turn.

The New R1 Quads bring back the ability to turn/spin on a dime when offroading. However, this isn’t just a parlor trick. It is actually useful when negotiating tight switchbacks.

Here’s what it is like to invoke the “Kick Turn” from inside the vehicle. Unintuitively, you don’t want to turn the steering wheel. Instead, you simultaneously push both steering wheel buttons in the direction you want to turn.

The same maneuver from behind:

I was able to use and master the kick turn pretty quickly after trying it for the first time and it is sooooo fun….and useful. Rivian says that the kick turn should only be done on gravel and loose dirt. But I could see ejecting out of a parallel parking spot with this feature…or doing a U-Turn on a country road.

I imagine the wear on the tires that are already taking a beating from this super heavy vehicle doing 2.5 second 0-60s is massive. Rivian says that the standard tires are guaranteed for 30,000 miles but imagine that loses a few miles every time a kick turn is invoked.

Perhaps most devestating, the original Rivian Quads won’t get the Kick Turn functionality. As an owner who was excited about the tank turn functionality when making my buying decision, I’m not pleased. Rivian says that the controllers for the original Quad Motors aren’t tuned and accurate enough to master the move. I’m ready to sign a petition that Rivian try anyway.

Quad offers four different wheel and tire options:

  • 22” Super Sport
  • 22” Sport Burnished Bronze
  • 20” All-Terrain Dark
  • 20” Dune Satin Graphite All-Terrain

Also, there will be Launch Editions:

Rivian is reintroducing Launch Edition for the Gen 2 Quad, celebrating the configuration that first defined our commitment to all-electric performance and adventure. The new Launch Edition Quad will feature an exclusive “Launch Edition” IP badge and a suite of special features, including:
Two standard colorways:

  • Launch Edition exclusive: the return of Launch Green paint with Black Mountain + Brown
    Ash Wood interior
  • Storm Blue paint with Slate Sky + Walnut Wood interior
    Additional included features:
  • Lifetime Rivian Autonomy Platform+
  • Lifetime Connect+
  • Camp Speaker
  • Gen 2 Key fob

NACS native

One more nice thing about the Rivian R1 Quad is that it is the first Rivians, and one of the first non-Teslas overall, to have the NACS port standard. This allows the vehicle to charge at most Tesla chargers without adapter. The flip side however is that it will need the included CCS adapter to charge at most other network charging stations including Rivian’s own RAN charging network, at least until the networks and Rivian switch their chargers over to NACS. We had success on a V4 Supercharger near Lake Tahoe but obviously weren’t able to test the charging speed or charging curve since the vehicles we were given started at 80%.

One other nice trick is that the Quad has a control panel that allows the driver to make their own drive modes.

RAD Tuner (exclusively on Quad, coming in September): Developed by the Rivian Adventure Department, a team of engineers, software developers and designers who create and test features that push the boundaries of our vehicles.

Rivian drivers will have better control over their vehicle’s dynamic behavior. Through intuitive sliders, you can fine-tune ride handling while creating personalized and savable drive modes.

Start from scratch or build upon presets like “Rally” or “Sport.” There are even preset modes that were born from real-world triumphs:

Desert Rally mode was meticulously engineered during the 2023 Rebelle Rally, a grueling competition where the R1T made history as the first fully-electric vehicle to ever win

Hill Climb mode was honed at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where
in 2024, our R1T conquered the race as the fastest production truck to ever make the
ascent.

Oh and Rivian now lets you record Launch Mode with Launch Cam so those 2.5 second 0-60s where you beat the Ferrari off the line can now be downloaded and shared with friends on social media. The videos include real-time stats like speed and distance overlays. Unfortunately Rivian no longer includes an interior camera to capture passengers’ reactions.

Electrek’s take

At a starting price near $120K and realistically over that with some bells and whistles, the Rivian R1 Quad vehicles aren’t going to have mass appeal. In fact, I don’t think these will even be Rivian’s top sells since the $80,000 Rivian vehicles with dual motors are almost as good (and better on efficiency).

However, Rivian is really trying to build its brand ahead of the R2 launch and this vehicle is as adventurous as it gets, electric or otherwise. Think about it: This is a 7-seat, off roading monster that will beat almost any supercar off the line…and can now spin on a dime.

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Kia reveals the sleek new EV5 for Europe with up to 329 miles range

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4 hours ago

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July 8, 2025

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Kia reveals the sleek new EV5 for Europe with up to 329 miles range

Kia-EV5-Europe

Kia is entering Europe’s most competitive EV segment with the upgraded EV5. It’s slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y, but Kia says the EV5 is “a cornerstone” to its growth strategy in Europe.

Kia EV5 lands in Europe

After launching the EV5 in China in November 2023, Kia’s electric SUV quickly became a hit. It’s already leading Kia’s comeback in the world’s largest EV market.

Although Kia has introduced the EV5 in other markets, including Australia and New Zealand, this is the first time it has revealed specs for the upgraded version specifically designed for Europe.

The upgraded EV5 is powered by an 81.4 kWh battery offering up to 329 miles of WLTP range. Unlike the Chinese version, which uses a BYD LFP Blade battery, the European version features a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack.

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It will be available in baseline and GT-line models. All EV5 variants can recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Both variants are offered in FWD with up to 215 hp (160 kW) and 218 lb-ft (295 Nm) of torque. Kia’s electric SUV also includes bi-directional charging, including vehicle-to-load (V2L) with up to 3.6 kW of power.

Kia-EV5-Europe
Kia EV5 GT-Line for Europe (Source: Kia)

The exterior remains essentially unchanged from the version sold in China, featuring an upright stance similar to that of the larger EV9.

The European-spec EV5 measures 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, which is slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s closer in size to the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Kia-EV5-Europe
Kia EV5 baseline trim for Europe (Source: Kia)

Inside, the EV5 “creates a lounge-like environment” with comfort-focused seats that include massage functions, heating, and ventilation.

The interior is centered around Kia’s new ccNC (connect car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver clusters and infotainment screens in a panoramic display, plus a 5.3″ climate control display.

Kia-EV5-Europe-interior
Kia EV5 GT-Line interior (EU) (Source: Kia)

Kia will build the upgraded EV5 for Europe in Korea, unlike the Chinese version, which is produced by its joint venture Kia Yueda.

Although prices have yet to be confirmed, the EV5 will sit between the EV3 and EV6 in Kia’s lineup. Given the EV4 starts at £34,695 ($47,700) and the EV6 is priced from £39,235 ($53,200), the EV5 is expected to start at below £40,000 ($55,000) in the UK.

Kia-EV5-Europe-interior
Kia EV5 GT-Line interior (EU) (Source: Kia)

Sjoerd Knipping, Kia Europe’s COO, said that “The EV5 is a cornerstone of Kia’s European growth strategy.” He added that the electric SUV is “tailored to the way Europeans live, work, and drive.”

Kia has already confirmed the EV5 will be sold in other global markets, including Canada. However, it will not arrive in the US.

The company said it will launch the EV5 “exclusively for the Canadian market” in North America. It will be available with FWD and AWD powertrains, as well as two battery sizes: 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, offering a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).

What do you think of Kia’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one over the Tesla Model Y or the Hyundai IONIQ 5? Let us know in the comments.

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