California-based
Archer Aviation announced today that it's entering into an agreement with
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, partnering with the automaker to manufacture electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, popularly known as flying cars.
The aircraft manufacturer is currently developing what it calls "the world's first all-electric airline" built around a composite aircraft powered by a 187-kWh battery pack -- or about 143 usable kWh, accounting for battery health reserves. The aircraft is designed for a 60-mile range operating at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. The short-ish range, quieter-than-combustion electric operation and eVTOL capabilities mean we're talking about an urban air mobility vehicle aimed at shuttling passengers across town and above traffic, not between cities -- more "air taxi" than than "airline."Through the announced partnership, Archer will "benefit from access to FCA's low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and engineering and design experience." In fact, the two companies have already collaborated on the design of the aircraft's cockpit, which Archer says we can expect to see revealed along with the rest of the electric craft sometime in early 2021. The company expects production to kick off in 2023.
