US eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation has entered a joint venture with Japanese auto giant Toyota to establish production facilities as electric urban mobility aircraft creep closer to commercial reality.
The California-based eVTOL manufacturer made the announcement last week, saying it expected the alliance will focus on establishing commercial production and manufacturing with a view to improving productivity, quality and reducing cost and supporting expanded production capacity for their S4 eVTOL.
The S4 is powered by six in-house direct drive permanent magnet electric motors, providing vertical lift before transitioning to horizontal thrust in cruise. The company estimates a top speed of 173 knots.
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
“Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead. Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together.”
Toyota previously invested $US250 million into Joby to fund development and the certification program for the S4.
Toyota Motor Corporation Chair Akio Toyoda said his company has been guided by the philosophy of mobility for everyone since it was founded.
"Over time, we’ve continued to expand what mobility can mean," he said. "We see air mobility as a natural extension of that philosophy–from the ground into the sky–and as a way to bring new value to people’s lives and to society.
"It’s really meaningful for us to take on this challenge together with Joby, a partner that shares the same vision. We believe this strengthened relationship is an important step forward in realizing the future mobility society.”
In January this year, Joby announced it had bought a second manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, and in March began a flight test program for the first S4 to conform to Federal Aviation Administration standards.
In April, Joby operated the first point-to-point flight by an eVTOL in New York City, linking JFK Airport to a helipad on the west side of Manhattan. The flight lasted for 15 minutes.
- Steve Hitchen