Vermont-based tech startup Beta Technologies has signed a deal with United Parcel Service (UPS) to produce 150 electric vertical takeoffs and landing aircraft. UPS will deploy the aircraft to cut delivery times and access small markets more efficiently. Beta will make the first deliveries of 10 evTOL aircraft in 2024.

The electric aircraft from Beta Technologies has a 400km range, with a top speed of 274kph (about 170 mph), and can carry a payload of about 635kg. The aircraft will provide UPS with greater efficiency in moving time-sensitive and other important deliveries for small markets. They would avoid airport protocols as the aircraft will take off and land on UPS facilities. The evTOL aircraft would ultimately incorporate autonomous technology, but the current deliveries will all be the piloted version.

UPS’s move to acquire electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is bound to substantially improve its operational efficiency when the aircraft becomes operational in 2024. According to Kyle Clark, the founder, and CEO of Beta Technologies, it will bypass the use of airports and create a micro air feeder network without the noise or operating emissions of fixed-winged aircraft.

The evTOL aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies has made solid progress in the development and deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and will also provide its proprietary modular charging stations for rapid recharge of the aircraft. The charging stations can rapidly recharge the aircraft within one hour and provide charging support for UPS’s growing electric vehicle fleet. The charging stations make use of aircraft batteries which are no longer capable of use in flights.

Both UPS and Beta Technologies are optimistic about the potentials of the deal, which will open new business opportunities and enhance the efficiency of the logistics giant’s ground operations while also drastically reducing UPS’s carbon emission profile.

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(source)

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