Archer Midnight
Preparing for Takeoff
May 16, 2023
Since its inception, Stellantis has invested in the research, development, and deployment of technologies that ensure clean, safe and affordable mobility. Why? To create innovation that addresses human aspirations. This vision is fueled by a sky-high belief in our capacity to cross new frontiers in innovation. And to meet new kinds of challenges, we are forging new kinds of partnerships. One of those partnerships is with Archer Aviation, a leading developer of electric air taxis, which offers a fast, safe, quiet and sustainable way for people to get around cities.
As a strategic partner, Stellantis will provide Archer up to $150 million of equity capital to help ramp up and scale production of Archer’s Midnight all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for high-throughput urban flights. Powered by six independent battery packs, Midnight is designed to produce zero carbon emissions during operation. With a range of up to 100 miles, but optimized to conduct back-to-back flights of 20 miles, with approximately 10-minutes charging time between flights and an expected payload of 1,000 pounds, Midnight can carry four passengers plus pilot, for safe, quick, convenient and emission-free hops over gridlocked traffic.
Stellantis is working side by side with Archer to help it build the first high-volume eVTOL aircraft manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, where the companies plan to begin producing Midnight in 2024. With an initial 350,000 square-foot footprint and production capacity of up to 650 aircraft per year, the plant is designed so that it can be expanded by an additional 550,000 square feet to support production of up to 2,300 aircraft per year.
Midnight has the potential to help achieve carbon net zero travel. Once safely integrated into the national airspace, it will serve as an innovative, price-competitive new option to change how people achieve comfort, convenience and efficiency during their urban commutes. To solidify this strength for decades to come, Stellantis is contributing advanced manufacturing technology and expertise, experienced personnel and capital to the partnership to enable the rapid scaling of aircraft production to meet Archer’s plans to begin service in 2025.
Transitioning from legacy technologies and integrating modern and emerging solutions is a key aspect of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. Advanced urban air mobility is an innovative way of traveling short to medium distances carrying people high above congested roads at fares that compete with ground-based ride share. Eco-friendly, safe, cost-effective, and time efficient: Archer’s Midnight aircraft checks all the boxes, enhancing urban connectivity with the convenience of ordering an electric air taxi on a phone app.
Our partnership with Archer will be a catalyst for further technological breakthroughs, not just in the eVTOL aircraft field, but across all our advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, inspiring innovation and educating us today for the opportunities of tomorrow.
