Electric Cars

Soaring Towards Tomorrow: Archer's Pioneering Piloted eVTOL Flight

Archer's Aerial Journey: From Groundbreaking Debut to Record-Setting Achievement

Just two months after initiating its initial piloted operations, Archer Aviation's flagship Midnight eVTOL has completed its most extensive flight with a human pilot at the controls. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the company, building on its growing reputation in the electric aviation sector. Archer, known for its innovative approach, recently secured a pivotal role as the exclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, further solidifying its position in the emerging air mobility market.

Milestones in Motion: Expanding the Flight Envelope of the Midnight eVTOL

The journey of the Midnight eVTOL began with its inaugural piloted flight over Salinas, California, where it demonstrated impressive capabilities, reaching speeds of 125 mph and an altitude of 1,500 feet. The latest test, also conducted in Salinas, saw the aircraft extend its range significantly. This progression highlights Archer's commitment to continuous improvement and rigorous testing of its advanced aerial platforms, paving the way for future commercial applications.

A New Horizon: Unprecedented Distance for Piloted eVTOL Flight

Archer's recent flight test in California set a new benchmark, with the piloted Midnight eVTOL flying for 31 minutes and covering a distance of 55 miles. This record-breaking journey, the longest piloted flight for the company, primarily utilized the aircraft's Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) capabilities, although it is also designed for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL). The successful completion of this test demonstrates the aircraft's robustness and efficiency over extended periods.

Key Endorsements and Operational Triumphs

The monumental flight was witnessed by United Airlines CFO Mike Leskinen, an early investor in Archer Aviation, who commended the team on their achievement and noted the aircraft's remarkably quiet operation. Archer's founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, also expressed his pride, emphasizing that reaching the 50-mile mark at cruising speed is a clear indication of the program's maturity and its steady progression towards commercial viability. While this flight maintained speeds above 126 mph, recent tests have seen the Midnight eVTOL achieve speeds approaching 150 mph across various flight patterns, showcasing its dynamic performance.

Charting the Course: From Testing to Certification and Global Expansion

With four test pilots now actively conducting Midnight test flights, Archer Aviation is accelerating its efforts towards obtaining FAA certification in the United States. Simultaneously, the company is preparing for future commercial flight operations in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its ambitious global expansion plans. These ongoing developments position Archer Aviation at the forefront of the urban air mobility revolution, promising a new era of efficient and sustainable air travel.

Experience Urban Freedom: The Agile Cargo E-Bike That Transforms City Commutes!

The Rise of Electric Cargo Bikes in Urban Settings: A Timely Shift in Personal Transportation

Electric cargo bicycles are rapidly gaining traction in American cities, providing a compelling alternative to traditional vehicles and public transportation for various errands. Their ability to transport goods combined with electric pedal assistance makes them an enjoyable and practical choice for navigating cityscapes.

Introducing the Carrie: A Streamlined Alternative to Its Bulkier Predecessor for City Living

Having previously experienced Riese & Müller’s larger front-loading cargo e-bike, the Load4 75, I appreciated its utility for bulk shopping but struggled with its size in my apartment building. The arrival of the Carrie, a more compact electric cargo bicycle from the same high-end German manufacturer, offers a promising solution. With a significantly reduced footprint and a clever collapsible front basket, the Carrie aims to deliver everyday functionality in a more manageable package, and at a considerable price difference.

Understanding the Carrie's Design and Features: A Closer Look at its Core Components

The Carrie is a compact, pedal-assist cargo e-bike distinguished by its optional, innovative folding “Flex Box.” This feature allows the basket to expand from a mere 18 inches when closed to 29.5 inches when open, offering generous cargo space despite the bike's compact 82-inch length. While its 4.7 cubic feet of cargo volume is less than the Load’s 13.5, it’s still ample for groceries or even a small child, supporting up to 176 pounds. Despite its smaller stature, the Carrie weighs in at a sturdy 78.7 pounds.

The Carrie’s base model, featuring a 545 watt-hour battery, starts at around $9,489, with an option to upgrade to a 725 Wh battery for an additional $255. These battery configurations offer estimated ranges of 57 to 77 miles, though actual mileage may vary based on riding conditions.

Riding Dynamics: Agile Performance and Smooth Transitions in Urban Environments

The Carrie inherits the positive riding characteristics of Riese & Müller’s larger models, including a low center of gravity and a robust Bosch motor, making for an enjoyable ride. It is responsive, easily maneuverable, and quick to accelerate. Although it lacks the full suspension of the Load, the Carrie's front suspension fork and optional suspension seatpost provide adequate comfort on most city roads.

As a Class 3 pedal-assist e-bike, the Carrie offers electric assistance up to 28 miles per hour, without a throttle, enabling riders to maintain a steady pace with urban traffic. A convenient "walk mode" provides a slight boost when moving the bike on foot. The continuous hub in the rear wheel, similar to those found on bike-share systems, allows for seamless adjustments to pedaling resistance without distinct gears, making it intuitive for riders of all experience levels. This system, combined with the Bosch e-motor's five assist settings, ensures effortless ascent on hills and bridges. The carbon belt drive further simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for chain cleanings.

A key advantage of the Carrie is its compact size, which significantly improves portability for urban dwellers. Unlike larger cargo bikes, it easily fits through doorways and into elevators, making it ideal for those living in apartments or without garage access. This enhanced maneuverability drastically increases the bike's practical usability for daily commutes and errands.

Key Advantages: Why the Carrie Excels in Practicality and Urban Adaptability

The Carrie’s smaller dimensions are a significant benefit for urban living, resolving the spatial and maneuverability challenges encountered with its larger sibling, the Load, while retaining most of the everyday utility. Its reduced length and width simplify parking in cramped city spaces and standard bike racks. The innovative folding cargo box is exceptionally user-friendly, with two levers allowing for quick and secure deployment or collapse of the side panels.

Despite its modest size, the cargo box proved surprisingly spacious, comfortably accommodating a backpack, three large bags of groceries, and beverages. While it doesn’t match the expansive capacity of the Load for massive hauls, it meets most daily needs. Furthermore, the Carrie’s battery range estimates held true during testing, demonstrating consistent performance even when carrying substantial cargo.

Limitations and Considerations: Understanding the Carrie's Trade-offs for Different Lifestyles

While the Carrie’s compact design offers clear advantages for city riding, it also presents certain limitations. Its recommended child-carrying capacity is restricted to two children under seven, meaning families might find the bike outgrown within a few years, despite its premium price point. Additionally, the front cargo box, though deep, lacks the hidden storage compartment found in the Load, necessitating more strategic packing for sensitive items or to prevent children from interacting with them.

For instance, with my typical weekly groceries and backpack, the Carrie’s front box was nearly at capacity, making it challenging to accommodate a child simultaneously. This implies a choice between transporting children or cargo, which might not be practical for routines involving school drop-offs before work. Unlike the Load, which offers car-like cargo versatility, the Carrie requires more thoughtful organization of items.

Final Reflections: The Carrie's Place in the E-Bike Market and Future Considerations

The Riese & Müller Carrie, priced at approximately $11,500 when fully equipped, firmly positions itself in the high-end, niche segment of the e-bike market. It stands out as a well-conceived and inventive product that effectively fulfills its design purpose, bringing considerable enjoyment to daily tasks. However, its substantial cost may limit its appeal to a broader audience. My experiences with various e-bikes have underscored their transformative impact on daily errands and commuting, sparking a curiosity to explore more accessible, mass-market options from brands like Tern and Gazelle in future reviews.