Joby Aviation has achieved a significant milestone in aviation technology with its hydrogen-electric air taxi, which has recently set a record for the longest flight of its kind without emissions. The innovative aircraft, a modified electric vehicle equipped with six rotors, successfully flew 840 kilometers (523 miles) over California, demonstrating impressive range and efficiency.
This flight marks the first forward demonstration of a hydrogen-powered vehicle capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Remarkably, the air taxi landed with 10 percent of its hydrogen fuel remaining, showcasing its potential for extended journeys. The only emission from the vehicle during this flight was water, highlighting its environmental benefits.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, emphasized the importance of cleaner travel solutions. “Traveling by air is central to human progress, but we need to find ways to make it cleaner. With our battery-electric air taxi set to fundamentally change the way we move around cities, we’re excited to now be building a technology stack that could redefine regional travel using hydrogen-electric aircraft,” Bevirt stated.
The hydrogen-powered air taxi utilizes 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of liquid hydrogen, which is converted into electricity, water, and heat by a fuel cell system. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with batteries that provide extra power during take-off and landing phases.
Bevirt envisions a future where regional flights become more sustainable and convenient. “Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without the need to go to an airport and with no emissions except water. That world is closer than ever, and the progress we’ve made towards certifying the battery-electric version of our aircraft gives us a great head start as we look ahead to making hydrogen-electric flight a reality,” he added.
Joby Aviation plans to launch its battery-electric air taxi commercially next year, although the hydrogen-electric version will require further testing and regulatory approval before it can be used for passenger flights. This advancement represents a significant step towards transforming regional air travel with zero-emission technology.
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