The planned network will cover airports and vertiports in major US metropolitan areas, including sites in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The initial focus is on regions where Archer and BETA intend to operate battery-electric aircraft. BETA Technologies will supply the charging hardware, which is based on the Combined Charging Standard (CCS). This standard is supported by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and has reportedly already been adopted by numerous electric aircraft manufacturers. This ensures the infrastructure will not be limited to the aircraft of a single manufacturer. The partners have not yet provided details on the charging capacity of the planned stations.
The concept envisages using the same charging infrastructure for diverse applications. Archer is planning passenger flights with its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while BETA and its customers could use the charging points for cargo and medical transport, among other purposes. At larger airports, CCS-compatible chargers may also power electric ground vehicles. This approach aims to increase infrastructure utilisation and prevent individual manufacturers from establishing proprietary charging networks.
