FutureFlight
Fiat Chrysler Backs Archer's eVTOL Aircraft Plans
Archer plans to unveil and fly its first full-scale eVTOL prototype during 2021.
Archer eVTOL aircraft
Archer says it will be ready to fly a full-scale prototype of its fixed-wing, all-electric aircraft by the end of 2021. (Image: Archer)

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is partnering with eVTOL developer Archer to provide composite materials and engineering support for the four-passenger aircraft due to be unveiled this year. The U.S.-based carmaker has not disclosed whether it is making a direct investment in Archer and is following the lead of Asian rivals Hyundai and Toyota, which have both made big financial commitments to the advanced air mobility sector.

California-based Archer, which was launched in May 2020, says it will be ready to start volume production of the unnamed aircraft by 2023 and to begin commercial operations that it describes as “airline” service in 2024. It says that during 2021 it will begin flight testing a full-scale prototype for the all-electric fixed-wing aircraft, which is expected to fly up to 60 miles at speeds of 150 mph.