Joby Aviation eVTOL

Additional investment follows $394 million in 2020

The electric powertrain-equipped vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is a next-generation mobility vehicle designed specifically for short-distance, frequent flights. It incorporates elements of helicopters, drones, and small airplanes, and excels in reliability, environmental friendliness (zero emissions), and quietness. Compared to conventional helicopters and airplanes, it also offers lower operating and maintenance costs and enhanced safety features. It is expected to be used on-demand by commuters, business travelers, and tourists in urban areas, and is considered well-suited to the needs of the “flying taxi” market.

With this decision to invest an additional $500 million in Joby Aviation, Toyota’s total investment has reached $894 million, including the $394 million it invested in January 2020. Tetsuo Ogawa, Toyota’s executive officer in charge, gave the following comment on the additional investment:

“With this additional investment, we will continue to work with Joby Aviation to move from the research and development stage of eVTOL toward practical application. Air mobility has the potential to contribute to solving various transportation issues, and together with Joby Aviation, Toyota will further work toward making this a reality.”

Developing eVTOL with Toyota’s expertise

Since the start of their collaboration in 2019, Toyota has shared with Joby Aviation its extensive experience in automotive production technology, including knowledge on designing production-friendly processes and developing jigs and auxiliary tools. In addition, Toyota began supplying electrification-related parts to Joby Aviation in 2023.

Joby Aviation has completed the third prototype on its production line in Marina, California, and has begun expanding its production site. As of August 2024, the company expects to have progressed to the fourth of five stages of the aircraft type certification process. Joby Aviation founder and CEO Joben Beibert commented on the collaboration with Toyota:

“This investment builds on nearly seven years of collaboration between our two companies. Toyota’s expertise and support cultivated through its manufacturing expertise have contributed greatly to the advancement of our initiatives. We will continue to work together toward our shared goal of making air mobility more accessible.”

Check out Joby Aviation’s “eVTOL” in the video!

Related reading

eVTOL made by a Japanese automaker: “When will we be able to ride in a flying car?” [eVTOL Transportation Revolution]

So far, we have looked at various examples of eVTOLs from around the world, and introduced their respective features and problems. Of course, there are eVTOL manufacturers in Japan, but what exactly are their strengths?