Stellantis has acquired exclusive production rights for the all-electric Midnight VTOL designed by Archer. The company plans to get it certified in two years and says aerial taxis with vertical takeoff and landing may be a common sight from 2030 onward.
The production is scheduled to begin in Covington in 2025, but not before all certification tests are completed. Once approved by the authorities, the flying cars will be able to transport passengers on commercial basis. Having said that, Stellantis admits that the eVTOL technology may not become widespread until the next decade at lease.
Unlike traditional helicopters, the Archer Midnight comes equipped with 6 batteries and 12 electric motors, making it almost silent in comparison. One vehicle can transport up to four passengers with a useful payload capped at 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms). The company plans to use them on shorter routes (up to 20 miles / 32 km) and says the batteries will take only 10 minutes to top up.