California-based electric aircraft start-up Joby Aviation has announced a long-term agreement with Toyota to supply powertrains and other components for its aircraft. This move marks a significant step towards the future of electric aviation, with Toyota investing close to $400 million in Joby Aviation in 2020 and becoming the company’s largest shareholder.
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Under the agreement, Toyota will manufacture Joby-developed parts on a contract basis and deliver them to Joby’s powertrain and electronics manufacturing facility in San Carlos, where they will be assembled into finished assemblies for the company’s pilot production line in Marina. While it is unclear which components are involved, the Marina facilities were designed with Toyota’s help to test the scalability of the low-volume machines and processes before scaling up production.
Joby Aviation’s aircraft are designed to reach a top speed of 200 miles per hour (322 kph) and a range of 150 miles (241 km), making them ideal for urban air mobility. Earlier reports cited a planned start of commercial operations in 2024, although no date is given in the current announcement.
“Our partnership with Toyota continues to be an integral part of Joby’s success, from assisting in the design of our pilot production line in Marina, California, to supplying key components for our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby founder and CEO. “Their expertise and knowledge has helped put us on track to deliver, at scale, an aircraft that we believe is truly best-in-class.
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Toyota’s investment in Joby Aviation is a significant endorsement of the electric aircraft start-up’s vision and capabilities. With Toyota’s help, Joby Aviation is well-positioned to achieve its mission of revolutionizing the future of air transportation.
