Joby Aviation’s hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator successfully completed a 523-mile non-stop flight, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. This significant milestone marks a promising advancement in sustainable air travel, showcasing the potential of hydrogen technology in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
California-based Joby Aviation has been at the forefront of developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The recent flight of their hydrogen-electric demonstrator represents a significant leap in their efforts to promote cleaner aviation. The aircraft, based on Joby’s primary battery-electric model, traveled from Marina, CA, setting a new distance record for hydrogen-powered air taxis.
Hydrogen technology is increasingly being recognized as a viable alternative to traditional jet fuel, particularly for mid-range regional travel. Unlike conventional jet engines, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction with oxygen, producing only water and heat as by-products. This makes hydrogen-powered aircraft an attractive option for reducing aviation emissions.
The hydrogen-electric demonstrator is a result of collaborative efforts between Joby and H2FLY, a German subsidiary acquired by Joby in 2021. The aircraft features an 88-pound liquid hydrogen fuel tank and a custom-built fuel cell system developed by H2FLY. This system generates electricity to power the aircraft’s six rotors, with a small battery providing additional power during takeoff and landing.
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The liquid hydrogen is stored at extremely low temperatures, around 22 Kelvin (-420°F, -251°C), in a cryogenic fuel tank with vacuum jacketing to maintain a safe ambient surface temperature. The fuel cell system, named ‘H2F-175,’ efficiently converts hydrogen into electricity, which powers the aircraft during flight.
Joby’s recent flight is not the first time the company has made headlines with hydrogen technology. In September 2023, H2FLY achieved a world record with the first piloted flight of a conventional liquid hydrogen-electric aircraft. Building on this success, the recent 523-mile flight further demonstrates the viability and efficiency of hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional travel.
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“Clean hydrogen has the potential to help decarbonize our aviation system for decades to come,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “Regional air mobility innovation provides a clear opportunity to incorporate clean hydrogen into the future of transportation.”
Joby Aviation envisions a future where hydrogen-electric and battery-electric aircraft coexist, utilizing the same infrastructure and support systems. The company’s ElevateOS software, originally developed for battery-electric aircraft, is also compatible with hydrogen-electric models, streamlining operations and maintenance.
Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed excitement about the potential of hydrogen technology to revolutionize regional air travel. “Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without the need to go to an airport and with no emissions except water. That world is closer than ever, and the progress we’ve made towards certifying the battery-electric version of our aircraft gives us a great head start as we look ahead to making hydrogen-electric flight a reality.
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“The vast majority of the design, testing and certification work we’ve completed on our battery-electric aircraft carries over to commercializing hydrogen-electric flight. In service, we also expect to be able to use the same landing pads, the same operations team, and Joby’s ElevateOS software that will support the commercial operation of our battery-electric aircraft.”
The successful flight of Joby’s hydrogen-electric demonstrator has significant implications for urban mobility and regional air travel. With net zero targets becoming increasingly important, hydrogen-powered aircraft offer a practical and sustainable solution for reducing emissions in the aviation sector.
The potential range of over 900 miles (1,500 km) for future models, such as the H2Fly HY4 fixed-wing aircraft, opens up new possibilities for regional travel. Joby plans to begin commercial operations in 2025, initially using their battery-electric air taxis, with hydrogen-electric models to follow.
