Toyota and Joby Aviation’s Journey to Transform Air Mobility
In a significant step toward shaping the future of mobility, Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation showcased their ambitious collaboration in air mobility.
The event, held at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan, brought together executives, including Toyota Group Chairman Akio Toyoda and Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt, along with Joby’s flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL). Their shared vision: a world where air taxis effortlessly bridge urban centres, reduce road congestion, and redefine travel.
But Toyota and Joby’s commitment to airborne mobility didn’t start here. The vision traces back nearly a century to Toyota’s origins, with a legacy of innovation that has fuelled their journey into the skies. Today, in partnership with Joby, Toyota has embraced the opportunity to elevate mobility, pushing boundaries beyond traditional road travel.
Toyota’s Legacy in Air Mobility
Toyota’s journey into air mobility began in 1925, when Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of the Toyota Group, sparked interest in aviation by offering a prize for battery technology capable of powering trans-Pacific flights. This ambition lingered within the company for generations, influencing Toyota’s founders and engineers to explore aircraft and engine technology. Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center was later pivotal in developing the world’s first electronically controlled aero piston engine, a project that marked Toyota’s early engagement in air mobility.
For Toyota, mobility extends beyond roads and highways. By partnering with Joby, they’re blending their automotive expertise with Joby’s pioneering vision in eVTOL technology to unlock new possibilities for accessible, efficient, and sustainable air travel.
Toyota Meets Joby
In 2017, Toyota and Joby came together to pursue an ambitious project that merged Toyota’s production acumen with Joby’s innovative air mobility solutions. The partnership reached a new milestone in 2023 when Toyota signed a long-term agreement to supply critical powertrain components for Joby’s eVTOL, supporting Joby’s vision of clean air travel.
Joby’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, dreams of a future where the environmental footprint of travel is smaller, and time spent with loved ones is no longer compromised by traffic congestion. “We share Toyota’s vision for the future of air travel and are honoured to have had the opportunity to present a glimpse of that future through our exhibition flight in Japan,” Bevirt said, reflecting the excitement surrounding this venture.
Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s Chairman, echoes this enthusiasm, stating his commitment to bring freedom of movement to everyone. With the shared goal of realising a world where air travel is sustainable and efficient, Toyota and Joby are charting a path forward for the future of urban transportation.
The eVTOL Advantage
eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) represent the next phase of sustainable, urban transport. With a design that blends characteristics of helicopters, drones, and small aircraft, eVTOLs are uniquely suited for short-distance, high-frequency operations, ideal for urban commuters, business travellers, and tourists.
These aircraft provide key benefits:
- Zero Operating Emissions: Unlike conventional helicopters, Joby’s eVTOLs run on electric power, promising a carbon-free alternative.
- Reduced Noise Levels: Designed to be quieter than helicopters, these air taxis minimise noise pollution, making them ideal for densely populated areas.
- Operational Efficiency: With simplified maintenance needs and enhanced safety features, eVTOLs are poised to become a reliable transport mode.
By 2025, Joby aims to roll out commercial passenger services across cities, providing a practical alternative to road-based commutes and easing the load on already congested urban infrastructures.
The First Air Taxi Flight in Japan
The partnership’s recent breakthrough came with Joby’s first exhibition flight outside the United States, marking an important milestone for Joby and Toyota alike. This inaugural flight, held at the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center, offered a first-hand glimpse into the potential of quiet, emission-free air travel. In attendance were executives from both companies, as well as stakeholders from Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau.
Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota’s Executive Vice President, expressed his vision for the project, saying: “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.”
Flying within sight of Mount Fuji, Joby’s eVTOL demonstrated its low acoustic profile and environmental advantages, capturing the imagination of those who witnessed this new era of air mobility.
Toyota’s Investment in a Greener Future
Toyota has backed Joby’s development of eVTOL technology through a $894 million investment, with an additional $500 million committed to the company’s certification and production efforts. This investment reflects Toyota’s transition into a holistic mobility company and aligns with its history of innovation in electric and hybrid vehicles, from the Prius to the Mirai fuel cell vehicle.
Under the terms of their partnership, Toyota engineers now work directly with Joby’s California-based team, leveraging Toyota’s experience in scalable production to support Joby’s growth in the air mobility market. The companies have also agreed to establish a manufacturing alliance, laying the groundwork for commercial eVTOL operations.
The Future of Urban Air Mobility
By the late 2020s, urban air mobility could redefine public transport systems, reducing traffic congestion, shortening commute times, and providing greener travel options. This vision aligns with both companies’ commitment to sustainable, people-centred innovation. Joby’s air taxis will offer not only efficient city-to-city transport but also potential for regional and rural connectivity, broadening access to quick, emission-free travel across different geographies.
Joby’s electric air taxi, which can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph, could soon become a familiar sight in cities worldwide. With the backing of Toyota’s production capabilities and nearly seven years of collaborative development, Joby is set to become a leader in the growing air taxi market, offering services that cater to modern, urban lifestyles while prioritising environmental impact.
A Vision Taking Flight
As Toyota’s legacy in mobility meets Joby’s expertise in eVTOL, the skies appear increasingly open to revolutionary advancements in travel. With further developments expected, Joby and Toyota’s work promises to reshape how people think about and experience transportation, bringing us closer to a world where air mobility is accessible, efficient, and sustainable for all.
