Centuries after Benjamin Franklin first discovered electricity with his kite experiment, electric vehicles are giving consumers – and businesses – new ways to fly.
Whether landlocked or out in the open, commuters, tree lovers and adrenaline seekers are leaning on fuel-saving and planet-loving ways to get around. Elon Musk may have spearheaded the push for electric vehicles (without leaving behind the impressive design complement), but other innovators are getting stronger in different ways. Here’s a taste of what’s debuting and what’s to come.
Last month, Eviation Aircraft completed the first maiden voyage of its all-electric “Alice” aircraft – an eight-minute journey at an altitude of 3,500 feet. What sets the aircraft apart is that it produces no carbon emissions, reduces noise and is more affordable to operate per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops. Geared towards transporting passengers and cargo, Alice is expected to routinely run flights ranging from 150 to 250 miles.
Two domestic carriers – Cape Air and Global Crossing Airlines – placed orders for 75 and 50 Alice aircraft, respectively. DHL Express is Eviation’s first cargo customer, having ordered 12 Alice eCargo aircraft.
Electric flying taxis are also on the horizon. Last month, United invested $15 million in Eve Air Mobility through United Airlines Ventures, which supports new technologies aimed at the sustainability and decarbonization of air travel. United’s alliance with Eve includes plans to purchase 200 electric four-seater aircraft, with first deliveries expected in 2026. Apparently, George Jetson was on something like flying taxis or electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) are being rolled out. with an eye on trying to revolutionize the traveler’s experience in cities internationally.
Instead of combustion engines, eVTOL aircraft use electric motors for carbon-free flight. Eve, supported by Embraer SA, dreamed up “air taxis” that rely on conventional fixed wings, rotors and pushers for a lift and cruise design. The vehicle must be easy on the environment and on the ears – with a range of 60 miles and noise levels that are 90% lower than conventional aircraft.
In addition to the deal with Eve, United had already bet on electric-powered transportation. Last August, United made a $10 million deposit to a California-based eVTOL company for 100 aircraft.
Electric powered boats are also gaining interest. More than 100,000 people were watching from land and water when the world speed record for an electrically powered boat was broken at 109 miles per hour on the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. F1 H20 world champion Shaun Torrente was at the helm of the V32, Vision Marine’s 32-foot widebody catamaran that was designed by Vision Marine and Torrente’s STR. He first reached a speed of 104 mph and then increased to 109 mph in a second run. This surpassed the old electric speedboat world record that had been set by Jaguar with its Vector boat. Vision Marine is so confident in the V32 that the company has vowed to compete with anyone, anywhere to prove its propulsion technology is the most powerful in the world.
With several automotive companies chasing Tesla to launch electric vehicles, GMC has partnered with shopping platform NTWRK to try to entice consumers with unique products. The connection was to draw attention to the October 20 reveal of the first GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, its latest all-electric vehicle. Fashion designer Dao-Yi Chow was initially on board with a collaboration for an item that was designed to reflect Sierra EV technology, but it didn’t pan out.
Another one of the custom items was transportable in a different way. National Hockey League’s Auston Matthews, the league’s most valuable player for the 2021-22 season, unveiled four convertible travel clothing bags.
Thrill seekers of varying speeds are also finding options that aren’t exactly new. Some urban commuters have discovered the Vinghen Ti1, a cross between a stand-up electric scooter and an electric bike. Imagine a two-wheeled vehicle with handlebars but no seat and no need to pedal. Riders step onto a plywood deck and activate electrical power with a thumb throttle to accelerate like riding a scooter. Initially released through crowdfunding in Fall 2020, the Vinghen Ti1 has been updated and will sell via Indiegogo for $1,549. There’s also a $1,099 VIP offer for the European-made Vinghen Ti1, which is billed as a “smart bike”.
Swiss family-owned Micro uses fewer components in its cars designed as toys to make eco-friendly vehicles. First conceived by Swiss inventor Wim Ouboter and his sons Merlin and Oliver, production began at a joint factory with Italian company CECOMP in Turin last summer. Customers in Switzerland got behind the wheel of the Microliner earlier than most via a Pioneer series. More than 35,000 people have already booked a Microlino, according to the company. The stylish vehicles cost around €15,000 and deliveries will begin shipping in France and other European countries next year. Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri was one of the first to get one.
Micro is also preparing the Microlino Lite aimed at younger customers without a driver’s license, due to its top speed of 45 kilometers per hour. This model is expected to go into production next year. The company is also improving other categories, such as the Microletta, a three-wheeled e-moped that was first introduced in 2020. It has a removable battery, can easily cover more than 100 kilometers on a single charge, and can be recharged with normal electrical outlets at home. Classified as a tricycle in Europe, the Microletta can also be used without a driver’s license. Thousands have already lined up to order that one online, though a production date has yet to be set.
Another addition to the Micro family is the Microlino Spiaggina Concept, inspired by legendary 1960s compact cars such as the Fiat 600 Jolly or the Citroen 2CV. With a white and blue striped canvas roof and open sides and rear, the car is designed to be conducive to passengers enjoying gentle breezes in the height of summer.
