The automaker Stellantis launches into the manufacture of air vehicles: it announced on Wednesday at the large electronics fair CES in Las Vegas that it would produce electric aircraft developed by the American company Archer.
Investment of $150 million
The group resulting from the merger between PSA and FCA will also invest up to $150 million in Archer and its vertical takeoff and landing device (eVTOL), designed to carry four passengers in addition to the pilot.
Called Midnight, it looks like a small plane with several rotors on the wings and is intended to make consecutive trips of about 30 kilometers, for a total range of 160 km, with a recharging time of about 10 minutes between each trip.
The two groups had already partnered in 2021, but on a more limited scale, with Stellantis having to provide technical support and access to their supply chain.
Start of production planned for 2024
This time around, Stellantis is expected to mass-produce Archer’s aircraft as an exclusive contract manufacturer in Covington, Georgia, in the eastern United States.
The partnership allows Archer to speed up production of the device, which is expected to start in 2024.
It should also save the US company “several hundred million dollars” during increased production thanks to Stellantis’ expertise.
Archer has already received a pre-order from US airline United Airlines for 200 vehicles.
Source: BFM TV
