Photo: Archer Aviation
The extensive collaboration between Stellantis and Archer is one of the most successful examples of how eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) makers and automotive companies can come together to accelerate the future of electric aviation.
Archer is one of the few names in the emerging AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry to benefit from the support of an automotive giant. It was initiated as a strategic partnership back in 2020, and one year later, Stellantis became an official investor. Now, Stellantis has taken another major step by increasing its strategic shareholding in the air taxi company. The most recent investment is worth more than $8 million.
Beyond that, Stellantis will help give Archer a major advantage in the face of the competition by supporting the mass production of the Midnight aircraft. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, recently visited Archer's initial manufacturing facility in Santa Clara, California, where it's headquartered. But this isn't where the Midnight eVTOLs will be rolled out for commercial service.
As a result of this partnership, Archer was able to start building what will become one of the biggest eVTOL factories in the US, if not worldwide, by volume. The facility will unfold over 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) and support an impressive capacity of 650 units per year. This is only the first phase; ultimately, this is set to become a giant 900,000-square-foot (83,600 square meters) manufacturing hub that will roll out 2,000 electric aircraft per year.
Archer's high-volume manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, is a boost for the entire industry and wouldn't have been possible without Stellantis' support. At the beginning of last year, Stellantis confirmed that it would mass-produce the Midnight aircraft as Archer's exclusive manufacturer, which would help the eVTOL maker save hundreds of millions.
Over the years, the strategic partnership wasn't limited to financial aspects but also allowed Archer to leverage the automotive giant's expertise in terms of supply chains and even design.
Everything points to the Midnight eVTOL having exceptional success in the market. Two years ago, it secured an impressive pre-order from one of the biggest names in aviation – United Airlines made a $10 million deposit for the purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft. Archer's customer base extends far beyond the US borders and even beyond regular civilian contracts – most notably, the US Air Force is also interested in the potential of this top-tier eVTOL.
Archer's Midnight is a four-seat electric air taxi that promises a 20-mile (32 km) range on a single charge and a maximum speed of 150 mph (241 kph). Its high-performance propulsion system with 12 small propellers is matched by an innovative cabin design based on the extensive use of sustainable materials, including recycled plastic bottles.
Beyond that, Stellantis will help give Archer a major advantage in the face of the competition by supporting the mass production of the Midnight aircraft. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, recently visited Archer's initial manufacturing facility in Santa Clara, California, where it's headquartered. But this isn't where the Midnight eVTOLs will be rolled out for commercial service.
As a result of this partnership, Archer was able to start building what will become one of the biggest eVTOL factories in the US, if not worldwide, by volume. The facility will unfold over 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) and support an impressive capacity of 650 units per year. This is only the first phase; ultimately, this is set to become a giant 900,000-square-foot (83,600 square meters) manufacturing hub that will roll out 2,000 electric aircraft per year.
Archer's high-volume manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, is a boost for the entire industry and wouldn't have been possible without Stellantis' support. At the beginning of last year, Stellantis confirmed that it would mass-produce the Midnight aircraft as Archer's exclusive manufacturer, which would help the eVTOL maker save hundreds of millions.
Over the years, the strategic partnership wasn't limited to financial aspects but also allowed Archer to leverage the automotive giant's expertise in terms of supply chains and even design.
Everything points to the Midnight eVTOL having exceptional success in the market. Two years ago, it secured an impressive pre-order from one of the biggest names in aviation – United Airlines made a $10 million deposit for the purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft. Archer's customer base extends far beyond the US borders and even beyond regular civilian contracts – most notably, the US Air Force is also interested in the potential of this top-tier eVTOL.
Archer's Midnight is a four-seat electric air taxi that promises a 20-mile (32 km) range on a single charge and a maximum speed of 150 mph (241 kph). Its high-performance propulsion system with 12 small propellers is matched by an innovative cabin design based on the extensive use of sustainable materials, including recycled plastic bottles.
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