Stellantis to Build Archer’s Aircraft in Georgia
GA – Expanding its partnership with California-based startup Archer Aviation Inc., Stellantis NV said on Wednesday it will manufacture Archer’s Midnight, an electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft designed to launch for the creation of an urban air taxi and mobility network. The automaker will help to start up the manufacturing plant Archer has announced outside Atlanta in Covington, Georgia — marking yet another instance of next-generation technology slated for production by one of the Detroit Three automakers in the South.
The goal is for Stellantis to be the exclusive contract manufacturer of Midnight. The agreement is a collaboration seeking to leverage both partners’ strengths. Archer brings its expertise in the development of eVTOLs, electric power trains, and certifications, while Stellantis offers its long history of knowledge and capability in mass manufacturing in a highly regulated sector. It also has opened its pocketbook for the project, committing to provide up to $150 million in equity capital for a potential draw by Archer at its discretion in 2023 and 2024 so long as it achieves certain milestones that Archer expects to occur this year.
The agreement could position Archer as the first eVTOL to market. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said in a statement: “Our two companies are taking these important steps together to realize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine urban transportation.”
Unveiled in November, the Midnight is an aircraft that can carry a pilot and up to four passengers. It launches and lands more like a helicopter than a plane. Midnight has a range of 100 miles, according to Archer, and was designed for back-to-back short-distance trips of around 20 miles with a charging time of 10 minutes in between. It can carry over 1,000 pounds and travel at speeds up to 150 mph. Archer, in November, chose E-One Moli Energy Corp., a Taiwanese manufacturer that does business as Molicel, as the supplier of aircraft lithium-ion batteries. Molicel has planned its first battery plant with 1.8 gigawatt-hours of annual capacity to launch this year in its homeland.
Since 2020, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, which became Stellantis following its 2021 merger with French automaker Groupe PSA (Purchase Sale Agreement), has offered its expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, and design to Archer as a strategic partner. It became an investor last year through its $328 million Stellantis Ventures arm. Stellantis intends to increase its shareholding in Archer through future purchases of publicly traded Archer stock on the New York Stock Exchange.