Archer Aviation, a company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its high-volume battery manufacturing line. The San Jose, California, facility now houses a battery pack manufacturing line capable of producing 15,000 battery packs annually.
Tom Muniz, Archer’s chief technology officer, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This is a major milestone for Archer as designing, developing and mass-producing electric propulsion systems that are purpose-built for electric aircraft is the key to unlocking the electrification of aviation.”
The facility, which also includes a certification flight simulator and integrated test center, is where the initial fleet of electric aerial vehicles (EAVs) is being produced. Archer’s flagship aircraft, the Archer Midnight, is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot on trips of 20 to 50 miles, with a quick 10-minute battery charging time between flights.
Archer’s vision is to revolutionize urban transportation by replacing 60- to 90-minute car trips with 10- to 20-minute flights. The company has already begun construction of the first three flying taxi vehicles, which will be used for the federal approval process.