Defunct Electric Aircraft Startup Lilium’s Tech Lives On Over At Archer
Electric flight is getting a second chance — and it’s coming from an unexpected source. Defunct electric aircraft startup Lilium’s tech lives on over at Archer, as the U.S. eVTOL maker scooped up Lilium’s patents in a competitive bid worth €18 million ($21 million).
Image Credits:Lilium
Once a promising German startup, Lilium went bankrupt a year ago after burning through more than $1 billion in investor funding. Now, its advanced electric aviation technology has found a new home.
Archer Acquires Lilium’s Patents In Competitive Bidding War
After several failed attempts to restructure Lilium, a bankruptcy administrator put its assets up for auction. The winning bidder? Archer Aviation, which outpaced rivals Joby Aviation and Ambitious Air Mobility Group for all 300 of Lilium’s patent assets.
According to an Archer spokesperson, the acquired patents cover key eVTOL innovations — including high-voltage systems, flight controls, ducted fans, and advanced aircraft design. These technologies will strengthen Archer’s growing IP portfolio, which now exceeds 1,000 global patent assets.
The Rise And Fall Of Lilium
Founded in 2015, Lilium set out to revolutionize regional air travel with its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) jets capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h. The company attracted top-tier investors such as Tencent and even secured a 100-jet order from Saudi Arabia.
However, despite going public in 2021 via a SPAC merger with Qell, Lilium’s rapid cash burn and technical hurdles grounded its ambitions. By 2024, restructuring efforts had failed, marking the end of one of Europe’s most high-profile eVTOL startups.
What Archer Plans To Do With Lilium’s Tech
While Archer hasn’t disclosed exact plans for integrating the patents, there are clear synergies. Lilium’s ducted fan technology could enhance efficiency and expand Archer’s reach beyond urban air taxis — possibly into regional or light-sport electric flight.
Archer’s spokesperson described the acquisition as a “strong addition” to its innovation roadmap. These assets could accelerate Archer’s efforts to lead in both commercial and defense-grade electric aviation.
From Air Taxis To Defense Applications
Archer, which also went public in 2021 via a SPAC, has been expanding beyond passenger air taxis. In December, it announced a defense partnership with Anduril, a weapons manufacturer, to co-develop a hybrid gas-and-electric VTOL aircraft for critical defense operations.
With Lilium’s technology now in its arsenal, Archer may not only dominate urban skies but also extend into regional and defense sectors — areas where reliability, speed, and power efficiency are essential.
A Second Life For Lilium’s Electric Dream
Though Lilium’s journey ended abruptly, its engineering legacy will continue to influence the future of electric aviation. As Defunct electric aircraft startup Lilium’s tech lives on over at Archer, the acquisition could spark fresh momentum in the race toward sustainable air mobility.
For investors, innovators, and enthusiasts alike, it’s a reminder that in tech — even failure can fuel the next leap forward.
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