Toyota’s electric air taxi completes first test flight

On November 4, 2024, automaker Toyota and electric air taxi company Joby Aviation announced the completion of their first successful test flight. 

Joby’s official website reports that it occurred at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan, within sight of Mount Fuji.

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This flying e-taxi will become part of a new mobility service that will reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact. Moreover, it will provide transportation solutions for urban and rural regions. 

Electric air taxi soars with the future of transportation

The electric aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at up to 200 mph speeds. It will offer high-speed mobility with zero emissions and a fraction of the noise of helicopters. 

This collaborative project started in 2023 when Toyota agreed to supply key powertrain and actuation components for the Joby aircraft. 

“Our first overseas flight marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality,” said Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt.

“We share Toyota’s vision for the future of mobility,” he added. 

“[and we are] honored to have had the opportunity to present a glimpse of that future through our flight in Japan.”

Stakeholders gathered at the test facility to celebrate the successful flight of the electric air taxi. These included Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, and representatives of Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau.

Toyota executive vice president Hiroki Nakajima stated, “Air mobility has the potential to change our ‘sense of distance and time.’”

Also, it will “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.” 

“The dream that Joby and Toyota have envisioned for air mobility is finally coming close to fruition.”