Toyota has made a significant move towards the future of air mobility, investing an additional $500 million into Joby Aviation, a leading company in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry.
This new investment aims to accelerate the production and certification of Joby’s cutting-edge air taxi, bringing the vision of flying cars closer to reality.
This latest cash infusion follows Toyota’s earlier investment of $394 million in 2020, further cementing their long-term commitment to revolutionizing transportation.
Together, the two companies are striving to make urban air mobility an everyday convenience, with Toyota contributing more than just financial backing—it’s also sharing its expertise in efficient production and manufacturing systems.
The Future of Urban Air Mobility
Joby Aviation, founded in 2009, has emerged as one of the top players in the race to develop eVTOL aircraft.
These electric-powered air taxis can take off and land vertically, much like helicopters, but with a quieter and more environmentally friendly design.
Joby’s eVTOL craft is being touted as the next big leap in urban transportation, offering a quicker and less congested alternative to road travel.
Toyota’s involvement in the project is not just a passive financial partnership. Engineers from both Toyota and Joby have been collaborating closely at Joby’s facility in California to fast-track the production process.
Toyota is providing its renowned expertise in process planning, tooling design, and manufacturing methods, helping to create a smooth path toward commercial production.
Joby’s Certification Journey
Joby Aviation is making significant progress in the complex process of certifying its eVTOL craft for commercial use.
The company is nearing the completion of the fourth stage in the five-step type certification process, a crucial milestone in bringing the aircraft to market. Once fully certified, Joby will be allowed to begin commercial production of its eVTOL taxis.
Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the body responsible for civil aviation regulation in the U.S., approved the airworthiness criteria for Joby’s eVTOL aircraft.
However, different regions, such as China, have their own unique set of aviation rules. This allows Chinese companies, like XPeng HT Aero, to potentially have an edge in testing and deploying these technologies sooner than their Western counterparts.
Global eVTOL Competition
The race for air mobility supremacy is heating up, with several global companies entering the fray. Hyundai Motor Group, for instance, has launched Supernal, a division dedicated to eVTOL craft development.
Their SA-2 aircraft is designed to transport passengers at speeds of up to 120 mph, cruising at altitudes lower than commercial helicopters. These aircraft aim to bypass congested streets in urban areas, hopping from one “vertiport” to another.
In fact, a report from the Global Advanced/Urban Air Mobility Market Map team predicts that over 1,000 eVTOL vertiports could be operational by 2028.
These hubs are being designed as landing and take-off points for air taxis, potentially transforming the way we move around densely populated cities.
The Road Ahead
Joby Aviation’s eVTOL craft, with Toyota’s backing, represents the future of air transport—a cleaner, faster, and more efficient solution for urban mobility.
As eVTOL technology matures, it promises to revolutionize transportation by cutting down on travel times and reducing traffic congestion.
The collaboration between Toyota and Joby is setting the stage for this futuristic technology to take flight, possibly within the next few years.
Though challenges remain, particularly in terms of certification and global regulatory hurdles, the dream of flying taxis is closer to becoming a reality than ever before.
