Electric aircraft developers Archer Aviation and Beta Technologies have joined forces to establish an interoperable charging system based on Beta’s charging technology. The collaboration seeks to promote the deployment of an electric charging network adhering to General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) standards, fostering the widespread electrification of aircraft. As part of this initiative, Archer Aviation has acquired multiple units of Beta’s CCS fast charging system, including two “Charge Cube” systems and several mobile “Mini Cubes.”
Beta’s charging systems are already operational at 14 locations in the eastern United States, and the company plans to expand to an additional 55 locations on the East and Gulf Coasts, as well as at Archer’s flight test facilities in California.
According to Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, fast charging is crucial for achieving rapid turnaround times between flights, a key factor in scaling electric air taxis. The collaboration between Archer and Beta is viewed as a significant step toward establishing the necessary infrastructure for the emerging electric aviation sector.
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, highlighted the importance of a reliable, fast, and accessible charging infrastructure to enable the widespread adoption of electric aviation. Beta’s focus on building a comprehensive charging network aligns with the industry’s shift toward electrification.
In a related development, Archer Aviation has entered into a memorandum of understanding with InterGlobe Enterprises, an Indian company, with plans to launch and operate an electric flying taxi service in India. The collaboration also includes financing the acquisition of up to 200 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft for operations in India.
Archer’s Midnight, a vertical take-off and landing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, accommodates one pilot and four passengers. The company aims to obtain certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024, with commercial flight operations expected to commence in 2025.
Additionally, Archer announced the location for its first production facility in Covington, Georgia, with a capacity to produce 650 eVTOLs per year, further signaling the company’s commitment to advancing electric aviation.
