Marin County Firefighters Test Small Electric VTOL Aircraft for Emergencies
By EV World Si | August 1, 2025
Demonstration in Mill Valley
Marin County firefighters were given a preview of emerging electric aviation technology during a recent demonstration in Mill Valley. The showcased vehicle, built by Palo Alto-based Pivotal, is a single-seat electric aircraft weighing 348 pounds and powered by eight propellers and a battery-electric engine. It can be recharged from a standard wall outlet in 75 minutes and carries an emergency parachute for safety.
Performance and Features
- Top speed: 63 mph
- Range: 20 miles
- Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, no runway required
- Only 18 moving parts, simplifying maintenance
- Detachable wings for transport and storage
- Base price: $190,000, with $9,000 deposits now accepted
Potential Uses for First Responders
Fire and rescue officials expressed interest in the craft?s potential applications. While not seen as ideal for medical emergencies, the aircraft could be valuable for:
- Search and Rescue: Accessing rugged terrain quickly to locate missing persons.
- Fire Reconnaissance: Deploying during wildfires to rapidly map perimeters and fire spread.
- Emergency Response: Potential to beat ground ambulances in hard-to-reach areas.
Local Fire Officials Respond
"If there is a wildfire, we want to get aircraft in the air very quickly and get a sense of the perimeter," said Chief Chris Tubbs of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District. Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber called the aircraft "an impressive emerging technology," though he noted limitations such as a 20-minute flight time and the need for open landing zones. Officials emphasized safety, practicality, and training requirements before deployment.
Next Steps
Firefighters were able to test the system in a VR flight simulator at the event, giving them a glimpse of operational scenarios. The Southern Marin Fire Protection District is continuing to evaluate the aircraft?s potential value while providing feedback to Pivotal.
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