How will eVTOLs affect us at home?
You'd be very surprised... and Beta is making moves
I look at news articles about flying cars and eVTOLs every day. So when I saw something related to the topic right here in my home state (not NYC, since that’s pretty much seen as separate from Upstate NY) I was downright shocked.
Electrive reported on Beta (a company I’ve covered in the past) creating a manufacturing plant, right here in my literal backyard, in Upstate NY - Plattsburgh to be specific (way Upstate)
This goes to show you that the whole flying car and eVTOL industrial complex is getting so widespread, that we will be seeing evidence of that almost everywhere. Just so happens that I’m now located less than two hours from where they are building a manufacturing facility.
Beta, the Vermont-based electric aircraft company is taking a leap into the unexpected, aiming to transform Plattsburgh into a bustling hub for their eVTOLs. They're not just building a factory; they're crafting a whole eVTOL ecosystem—manufacturing, assembly, flight testing, you name it. They're creating 85 new jobs. Who knew Upstate New York would become the next frontier for flying cars?
Kyle Clark, the mastermind CEO at Beta, is pumped about New York’s hidden potential. He's betting big on their workforce and innovation-friendly environment. “We’re all about making the skies cleaner and more efficient,” says Kyle. “Since 2017, we’ve been testing and tweaking our electric aircraft at Plattsburgh, and let me tell you, the support we’ve gotten from the State and County is nothing short of amazing.”
Let's not forget, Beta's no small player. With a $375 million investor windfall last year and a hefty $368 million from 2021, they're on a roll. They’ve got big plans for their Alia 250 eVTOL and a network of electric chargers, and now they've got Archer Aviation in their corner, too. They’re building a nationwide electric charging network that's going to change the game. Time to buy stock in Beta?
So, why Upstate New York, of all places? It's the million-dollar question with a 41-million-dollar answer. It seems Beta's looking beyond the usual tech hotspots to tap into new territories, and they might just be onto something big. Upstate New York, with its blend of skilled workforce and supportive environment, is turning into an unlikely but perfect playground for futuristic aviation.
In a nutshell, Beta Technologies is making big moves and Upstate New York is about to be the epicenter. Luckily I’m in the midst. How serendipitous is that?
Here’s the link for Beta: https://www.beta.team/aircraft/
and here’s the NY Gov site about the announcement: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-41-million-expansion-beta-technologies-production-flight-test-and