Strategic partnership promises revolutionary changes in urban air mobility.
Stellantis N.V. and Archer Aviation Inc. have unveiled progress on their joint venture, the construction of the world’s first high-volume eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft manufacturing facility. This endeavor, which will be operational by mid-2024, ushers in a new era of urban air mobility.
“We believe this unique partnership is setting the standard for cross-industry collaboration and continues to be a key pillar of our strategy to ensure Stellantis leads the way the world moves, providing freedom of mobility in all ways.”
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis
Revolutionary partnership for urban air mobility
The alliance between Stellantis and Archer signifies a transformative leap for the transportation industry. Notably, it exhibits an innovative approach to cross-industry collaboration, where automotive expertise is utilized in the manufacturing of electric aircrafts. The partnerships aim to redefine urban transportation with their high-volume eVTOL aircraft production.
Onsite construction and joint efforts in Georgia
The partnership has brought together Stellantis and Archer’s personnel at the Covington, Georgia facility. Experienced Stellantis team members work alongside Archer’s personnel across various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality, facilities, and human resources. This intermingling of talent and experience facilitates innovation and efficient operation in the manufacturing process.
Scaling up to meet commercialization goals
Archer’s goal extends beyond mere commercialization, to achieving it at scale. Stellantis, a leading mobility company, is instrumental in accomplishing this by supporting Archer’s high-volume manufacturing. The blend of each company’s distinctive strengths has given the venture a considerable boost, allowing for rapid scaling of aircraft production.
Ambitious production targets set for the facility
The Covington facility is projected to have the capacity to produce up to 650 aircraft annually upon initial operations. The site also holds the potential for expansion to facilitate the production of up to 2,300 aircraft per year, which would make it the world’s leading aircraft manufacturing facility by volume.
Specs of the facility
- Location: Covington, Georgia
- Area: 100-acre campus
- Initial production capacity: 650 aircraft per year
- Expansion potential: Up to 2,300 aircraft per year
- Operational readiness: Mid-2024
The implications of changing urban transportation
The partnership between Archer and Stellantis serves as a prototype for the future of urban transportation, setting a new benchmark for cross-industry collaboration. As cities grapple with increasing congestion and rising demands for sustainable transit solutions, the rise of eVTOL aircraft could provide a much-needed breakthrough.
The companies’ commitment to not only commercialize but also produce at scale is indicative of a long-term vision. By capitalizing on their combined strengths, Archer and Stellantis are not only forging a path to industrial-scale eVTOL aircraft production but are also shaping the future of urban transportation.
