Toyota’s flying car successfully completes first test flight

  • Toyota has started investing in eVTOLs
  • They have partnered with US-based Joby aviation
  • Take a look at the video below to see their flying car in action

Published on Nov 04, 2024 at 3:49 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat

Last updated on Nov 04, 2024 at 3:49 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

Toyota Motor has just successfully completed its first test flight of its flying car, made in collaboration with US-based startup Joby Aviation.

The eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) is a prototype developed by Joby Aviation and has a top speed of about 320km/h.

Since these flying cars are quieter than helicopters, they are well suited for urban cities.

Imagine soaring through skyscrapers while also skipping traffic in such a cool ride.

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Toyota and Joby Aviation’s flying car

This recent flight was completed in Japan after several tests had already been conducted in the US.

Toyota has also invested $500 million into the project with Joby Aviation in October 2024.

It seems the Japanese automaker wants to boost its investments in eVTOLs.

“It takes four to five hours to drive here from Tokyo, but flying would take just 25 minutes,” said Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda.

“This will change people’s lifestyles,” he added.

if implemented properly, such a different method for urban transportation is bound to be a success.

Other than that, the project is also crucial to Toyota’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

This isn’t the first time that Toyota has invested in aerial vehicles, but this particular flying car looks quite promising.

Joby Aviation, the California-based aviation company, already operates many flying cars in the US.

One of them is a hydrogen-powered air taxi that can travel over 523 miles (841km) nonstop and also produces water as a by-product.

More flying cars are on their way

Toyota and Jobi Aviation are not the only ones in the race to make flying cars a reality.

Chinese automaker, Xpeng has also showcased multiple eVTOL designs that it plans to release quite soon.

One of them is a flying supercar that looks like it belongs in the future.

It kinda does, when you actually think about it.

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Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.