Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. Unveils America’s First 1,500 Pound Lift Drone With Agricultural Spray And Fire Protection Capabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

Envirotech Vehicles (NASDAQ:EVTV) has unveiled America's first heavy-lift drone with a 1,500-pound payload capacity and dual-use capabilities for agricultural spraying and fire protection. The drone features a 100-gallon liquid delivery system and can operate for up to 45 minutes under full load.

The drone targets two significant markets: the $7B agricultural sector and the $5.7B wildfire suppression market. Additionally, EVTV is collaborating with U.S. government agencies and defense contractors to integrate the technology into advanced aerial defense systems, including next-generation "Iron Dome" applications.

The company will begin accepting pre-orders next week, with production scaling through 2026 and deliveries following thereafter.

Positive

• First U.S.-made drone with industry-leading 1,500-pound payload capacity
• Targets two large markets: $7B agriculture and $5.7B wildfire suppression
• Strategic collaboration with U.S. government for defense applications
• Dual-use technology enables multiple revenue streams
• Production and delivery timeline already established

Negative

• Production ramp-up not starting until 2026
• No information on pricing or production costs
• Potential regulatory hurdles for defense and agricultural applications

Insights

Aerospace Technology Analyst

EVTV's 1,500-lb drone offers breakthrough capabilities for agriculture and fire protection, with significant market potential and near-term commercialization.

Envirotech Vehicles has achieved a significant technical milestone with America's first indigenous heavy-lift drone capable of carrying 1,500 pounds - a payload capacity that puts it at the forefront of commercial drone technology. The dual-use platform's 100-gallon liquid delivery system and 45-minute flight endurance under full load represent substantial engineering achievements that open viable commercial applications.

The drone's agricultural applications address a $7 billion annual market opportunity, offering a solution that could significantly reduce labor costs while increasing efficiency in crop management operations. The 100-gallon capacity makes it commercially viable for large-scale agricultural operations rather than just demonstration projects.

For wildfire suppression, targeting the $5.7 billion market, the platform's precision control systems enable operations in environments where traditional aircraft face safety limitations. The autonomous and semi-autonomous flight capabilities are particularly valuable for maintaining consistent application rates and accessing difficult terrain.

Most notable is the accelerated commercialization timeline, with pre-orders beginning next week and production ramping through 2026. This suggests the technology has moved beyond prototype stage to a market-ready product, which is rare in the heavy-lift drone sector where many announced projects never reach commercial viability.

The additional mention of U.S. government coordination for defense applications represents a potential third revenue stream beyond the agricultural and wildfire markets. Defense applications typically command premium pricing and could provide stable, long-term contracts if the platform meets military requirements for an "Iron Dome" style defense system.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 15, 2025 / Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVTV) (the "Company" or "Envirotech"), a leader in advanced transportation and defense innovation, today announced the successful completion of the first American-made heavy-lift drone capable of carrying 1,500 pounds, equipped with dual-use agricultural spray and wildfire protection technology.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Payload capacity 1,500 pounds - industry-leading for U.S. manufactured drones

• Liquid delivery of 100 gallons per deployment

• Endurance extended flight time of up to 45 minutes under full load

• Precision control autonomous & semi-autonomous flight systems

• Manufacturing timeline pre-orders begin next week

• Market opportunity agriculture: $7B annually; wildfire suppression: $5.7B FY2024

Agriculture: With a 100 gallon liquid capacity, EVTV's drone is the first to provide farmers and co-ops across America with a scalable solution for crop spraying, fertilization, and pest control that can dramatically lower labor costs, increase yield efficiency, and reach difficult terrain.

Fire Protection: The same system can deploy up to 100 gallons of fire suppressant or water per flight, enabling fast, targeted response in wildfire zones where traditional aircraft cannot maneuver safely.

For the past seven months, EVTV has also been working in coordination with U.S. government agencies and defense contractors on integrating this heavy-lift drone technology into advanced aerial defense systems. With the United States preparing to build a next generation "Iron Dome" styledefense shield, EVTV's drone platform is uniquely positioned to serve as a modular aerial response unit capable of rapid deployment, payload delivery, and integration with counter-missile and surveillance systems.

Elgin Tracy, Chief Operating Officer of EVTV, commented:

"This is more than just a drone - this is the future of American resilience. From supporting ourfarmers to protecting our forests and defending our skies, EVTV has built a platform that canchange industries. Today, we're proving that American innovation leads the world."

EVTV will begin accepting pre-orders from U.S. farmers, cooperatives, and government agencies next week. Initial production is expected to ramp through 2026, with deliveries commencing shortly thereafter.

About Envirotech Vehicles

Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVTV) is a technology company dedicated to revolutionizing the electric vehicle landscape by designing and manufacturing electric commercial vehicles that offer sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective transportation solutions. Committed to driving the future of mobility, Envirotech is pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. For more information, visit www.evtvusa.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, prospects, or performance are forward-looking statements. While they are based on the current expectations and beliefs of management, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in this press release, including statements that are not purely statements of historical fact and the risks and uncertainties disclosed in reports filed by Envirotech with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available online at www.sec.gov. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "will," "estimated," "planned," "expected," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipated," "outlook," "designed," and similar words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, Envirotech undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, changed circumstances, or unanticipated events.

CONTACT:

Envirotech Vehicles, Inc.
Merrick Alpert, Chief Communications Officer
Telephone: (870) 970-3355
Email: merrick@evtvusa.com

SOURCE: Envirotech Vehicles, Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What is the payload capacity of EVTV's new heavy-lift drone?

The drone has an industry-leading payload capacity of 1,500 pounds and can carry up to 100 gallons of liquid for agricultural or fire suppression applications.

When will Envirotech Vehicles (NASDAQ:EVTV) begin accepting pre-orders for its new drone?

EVTV will begin accepting pre-orders from U.S. farmers, cooperatives, and government agencies next week, with production ramping through 2026.

What are the main applications for EVTV's new heavy-lift drone?

The drone has three main applications: agricultural spraying (crop spraying, fertilization, pest control), wildfire protection (fire suppressant delivery), and potential military defense integration.

How long can EVTV's drone operate with a full payload?

The drone features an extended flight time of up to 45 minutes under full load, with autonomous and semi-autonomous flight systems.

What is the market size for EVTV's drone applications?

The drone targets a $7 billion annual agricultural market and a $5.7 billion wildfire suppression market (FY2024).