Joby Aviation achieved a new soaring milestone as it shared its recent successful flight test for the hydrogen-powered version of its eVTOL air taxi. The zero-emissions vehicle is the latest in its development after the electric-powered one. It harnesses the power of hydrogen for long-haul flights, with its latest test reaching up to 523 miles of covered area.
Instead of spewing harmful greenhouse gases, Joby Aviation's hydrogen-powered eVTOL only produces water, guaranteeing it is emission-free.
Joby Aviation's Hydrogen-Powered eVTOL Successful in 523-Mile Flight
Joby Aviation revealed via its press release that its hydrogen-electric program, which transformed its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle into a hybrid, has completed its 523-mile test. The recent test took place in California, and it could fly around longer than its battery-powered eVTOLs, which set a new stage for air travel.
(Photo : Joby Aviation)
Before this iconic test, the company completed 25,000 miles of actual testing for the hybrid eVTOL in its base in Marina, California.
The company boasts of improving its eVTOL with another clean energy solution that sets it apart from internal combustion engines. This worry-free alternative will push for regional air travel.
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Joby Aviation's Air Taxi: Hydrogen-Powered and Electric eVTOL
In this development, Joby Aviation's new hybrid eVTOL combines its newfound hydrogen power with its battery-powered flying air taxi, whose byproduct is only water. The company's latest development promises improved mileage and can sustain longer trips compared to its original eVTOL developments, with this hydrogen-electric program backed by the US Air Force's Agility Prime program.
Joby Aviation's eVTOL Development for Future Air Taxis
Among the many companies developing eVTOLs for the future of air and land transportation, Joby Aviation remains one of the most popular and successful in its technology today. Throughout the years, Joby Aviation has set itself to deliver this new kind of experience for the world, promising that its air taxis will be available in 2025.
In 2022, the company secured its much-awaited flight license to operate over the country's big cities from the Federal Aviation Authority, one of the biggest steps needed to turn this into reality. Joby Aviation was given a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate, which guarantees the license to carry out operations for trips around the metro, with ride-hailing soon to follow.
VTOLs have proven that air travel would no longer need runways to take off from as it can do so from its position, but its massive body may not yet be ideal for setting down on roads. Joby Aviation is now looking to focus on the hybrids of its eVTOL, equipping it with hydrogen power that can push more miles for the air taxi and completing its milestone test.
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