CES is all about the technology of the future. The future of transportation may be all-electric airships. Archer Aviation, a Silicon Valley startup is partnering with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for the manufacturing and production of its composite, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Production is set to kick off in 2023.
As part of the deal, Archer will benefit from FCA’s positioning in the supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and design experience. The agreement accelerates Archer’s timeline in development of the aircraft, which is set to be part of a fleet that makes the world’s first all-electric airline.
Delta shouldn’t be worried, however. The 100-percent electric aircrafts Archer will produce are designed to travel 60 miles at just 150 mph. Think of it as light rail for the sky.
“We’ve been hyper-focused on a customer-first approach to vehicle design and aircraft operations,” said Brett Adcock, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer. “Now we are working with a seasoned, industry-leading automotive partner to leverage cost benefits and experience that will allow Archer to produce thousands of aircraft reliably and affordably every single year.”
The first eVOTL aircraft from Archer will be publicly shown in early 2021. It will include cockpit design elements from FCA.
“Electrification within the transportation sector whether on roads or in the air is the future and with any new and rapidly developing technology, scale is important,” said Doug Ostermann, vice president and head of global business development of FCA. “Our partnership with Archer has mutual benefits and will enable innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be brought to market at an accelerated pace.
“We are excited to team up with one of the world’s largest automotive companies on our mission of advancing the benefits of sustainable air mobility,” said Adam Goldstein, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer. “This is a first-of-its-kind deal for one of Detroit’s Big Three automakers in moving into the urban air mobility space. There is now a clear path for Archer to bring mass production to this industry, changing the way people travel in and around cities forever.”
Late last year, Lilium laid out plans to put an eVOTL-only airport in Orlando, Florida. At last year’s CES Hyundai and Uber showcased the potential of an air taxi partnership.
