Move over Jetsons: Flying cars are on the horizon, with Archer and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) planning production for 2023.
Flying cars have been a staple of science fiction for decades, but the reality has eluded inventors, scientists and corporations. California-based Archer is dedicated to revolutionizing air travel, with a focus on creating the first all-electric airline. The company is now working with FCA to make flying cars — what it calls electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — a reality.
“We’ve been hyper-focused on a customer-first approach to vehicle design and aircraft operations,” said Brett Adcock, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Archer. “Now we are working with a seasoned, industry-leading automotive partner to leverage cost benefits and experience that will allow Archer to produce thousands of aircraft reliably and affordably every single year.”
“Electrification within the transportation sector, whether on roads or in the air is the future and with any new and rapidly developing technology, scale is important,” said Doug Ostermann, Vice President and Head of Global Business Development of FCA. “Our partnership with Archer has mutual benefits and will enable innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be brought to market at an accelerated pace.”
“We are excited to team up with one of the world’s largest automotive companies on our mission of advancing the benefits of sustainable air mobility” said Adam Goldstein, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Archer. “This is a first-of-its-kind deal for one of Detroit’s Big Three auto makers in moving into the Urban Air Mobility space. There is now a clear path for Archer to bring mass production to this industry, changing the way people travel in and around cities forever.”
Archer’s efforts are one of the most concrete endeavors yet to make flying cars a reality. While production is slated to begin in 2023, the companies plan to unveil their design in early 2021. Partnering with one of Detroit’s Big Three will help bring to bear the necessary resources and expertise to hopefully make the project a success