Stellantis, Archer to build electric aircraft

Stellantis announced that it will build the electric aircraft Midnight with Archer Aviation Inc., an American company commercializing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, headquartered in San Jose, California.

The automotive conglomerate will also help Archer construct a manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, where both Stellantis and Archer will begin production of the Midnight aircraft in 2024.

Midnight is designed to be safe, sustainable, quiet and, with its expected payload of over 453.59 kilograms, can carry four passengers plus a pilot. With a range of 160 kilometers, Midnight is optimized for back-to-back short-distance trips of around 32 kilometers, with a charging time of approximately 10 minutes in-between.

“We’ve been working closely with Archer for the past two years, and I am continually impressed by their ingenuity and unwavering commitment to deliver. Deepening our partnership with Archer as a strategic investor with plans for growing our shareholding demonstrates how Stellantis is pushing the boundaries to provide sustainable freedom of mobility, from the road to the sky. Supporting Archer with our manufacturing expertise is another example of how Stellantis will lead the way the world moves,” said Stellantis Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carlos Tavares.

Further, Stellantis pledged to provide Archer US$150 million (about P8.347 billion) in equity capital in 2023 and 2024, which, will be subject to the achievement of certain business milestones that Archer expects to secure in 2023.

“Stellantis’ continued recognition of Archer’s progress toward commercialization, and today’s commitment of significant resources to build the Midnight aircraft with us, places Archer in a strong position to be first to market. Our two companies are taking these important steps together to realize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine urban transportation,” stated Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.

Photos from Stellantis and Archer 

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