Joby Aviation, in partnership with Toyota, has taken a significant leap towards the future of urban air mobility. Tthe companies demonstrated their groundbreaking electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Japan, with the iconic Mount Fuji serving as a breathtaking backdrop. This marks Joby’s first international demonstration flight, showcasing the potential of low-noise, all-electric “air taxi” services.
Joby Aviation, based in California, has been working tirelessly to make urban air travel a reality. Their latest demonstration in Japan highlights their progress. The eVTOL aircraft, capable of carrying four passengers and reaching speeds of up to 321 km/h (200 mph), flew from Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center. This signifies a major milestone in the company’s journey towards offering greener and more efficient urban air travel options.
Toyota has been a strategic partner for Joby Aviation, investing over $900 million in the eVTOL developer. This partnership underscores Toyota’s commitment to advancing air mobility. Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota’s Executive Vice President, emphasized the potential of air mobility to transform urban transportation and improve connectivity.
He said, “Air mobility has the potential to change our ‘sense of distance and time,’ and open a future with the new option of air mobility that will further enrich the lives of many people.” “Toyota is committed to deepening our collaboration with Joby and we will continue to work together to realize our shared dreams,” he continued.
One of the main features of Joby’s eVTOL aircraft is its low noise level. During cruising, it generates a noise level just above 45 decibels, comparable to the sound of rustling leaves. This makes it ideal for urban settings where noise reduction is crucial. The aircraft’s range of approximately 160 km (100 miles) positions it as a viable solution for congested city environments, earning it the nickname “Uber of the sky.”
Joby Aviation is currently pursuing testing and certification with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The company has made significant progress, recently completing their first FAA-conforming major sub-assembly, an aircraft tail, and nearing completion of their fourth production prototype. These steps are crucial for achieving type certification and bringing their eVTOL aircraft to market.
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Japan’s growing interest in eVTOL technology is evident with companies like Volocopter and Vertical Aerospace also vying for a piece of the air mobility market. These companies plan to showcase their eVTOLs at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. The Japanese government is actively working on establishing infrastructure for this new mode of transportation, reflecting the country’s commitment to innovative mobility solutions.
Toyota’s involvement goes beyond financial investment. The automaker provides essential components like actuators and powertrains for Joby’s aircraft. Toyota engineers collaborate closely with the Joby team in California, leveraging their vast automotive manufacturing and technology expertise to enhance the aircraft’s development.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed his excitement about the company’s progress. “Our first overseas flight marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality,” he said. Bevirt also highlighted the shared vision between Joby and Toyota for the future of mobility, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with zero operating emissions and significantly less noise than helicopters. This new mobility service aims to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental impact, and provide efficient transportation solutions for both urban and rural areas.
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Toyota’s commitment to Joby’s vision is further demonstrated by their recent investment of an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi. This brings Toyota’s total investment in Joby to $894 million. The funds will be used to establish a manufacturing alliance, supporting the first phase of commercialization and furthering the development of advanced air mobility solutions.
