Secretive Californian developer Archer and car maker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are to cooperate on manufacturing Archer’s yet-to-be-revealed electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
A statement says Archer will benefit from access to FCA’s low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and engineering and design experience.
Palo Alto-based Archer is aiming to create the world’s first all-electric airline that moves people throughout the world’s cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. Sustainable air mobility is a market Morgan Stanley estimates will be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040.
Archer will manufacture high-volume, composite, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the intent of starting production in 2023.
FCA, the parent company of established automobile brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, has already collaborated on cockpit design elements of Archer’s first aircraft which is expected to be unveiled in early 2021.
The 100% electric aircraft will be capable of traveling distances of up to 60 miles at 150mph, says Archer.
“We’ve been hyper-focused on a customer-first approach to vehicle design and aircraft operations,” said Brett Adcock, Co-Founder & 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.”
Doug Ostermann, Vice President and Head of Global Business Development of FCA, said, “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.
“Our partnership with Archer has mutual benefits and will enable innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be brought to market at an accelerated pace.”