January 5, 2023
YOUR NEXT LYFT WILL:
Automakers are pouring millions into "flying taxis" (Joann Muller, 1/05/23, Axios)
Stellantis, which makes Jeep and Chrysler vehicles, said Wednesday it will manufacture an electric air taxi with Archer Aviation -- one of several eVTOL companies nearing commercialization.It also plans to invest $150 million in Archer, following an initial $75 million investment in 2021.Stellantis, which has been providing Archer with engineering expertise, will now help it launch a new manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia, starting in 2024.The plan is for Stellantis to become the exclusive manufacturer of Archer's newly revealed eVTOL, called Midnight.Details: Midnight, which can carry four passengers plus a pilot, is designed for back-to-back hops of around 20 miles, with approximately 10 minutes of charging between flights.Its first route, starting in 2025, will link a Manhattan heliport to Newark Liberty International Airport, in partnership with United Airlines -- also an Archer investor.
Posted by Orrin Judd at January 5, 2023 8:31 AM