Joby Aviation Closes $250M Investment
- HYSKY Society
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Joby Aviation, a leading developer of electric air taxis, has closed a $250 million strategic investment from Toyota Motor Corporation. This funding marks a major milestone in Joby’s journey toward FAA certification and commercial-scale production of its battery-electric eVTOL aircraft.
Strengthening the Future of Air Mobility
The investment is part of a broader $500 million commitment from Toyota, supporting the deepening alliance between the two companies. Their shared vision? A future of safe, clean, and scalable air mobility.
“We’re already seeing the benefit of working with Toyota in streamlining manufacturing processes and optimizing design,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO. “With this capital and Toyota’s legendary production expertise, we’re enhancing our ability to scale cutting-edge design and manufacturing.”
Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, CEO of Toyota North America, emphasized the strategic alignment: “Our investment in Joby reflects our shared dream of mobility for all and our commitment to achieving a future of air mobility.”
Joby’s Hydrogen-Electric Breakthrough
Though best known for its battery-electric aircraft, Joby has quietly emerged as a player in hydrogen-electric aviation. In June 2024, Joby successfully completed a 523-mile flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered VTOL demonstrator—believed to be the longest flight of its kind. The aircraft, a converted battery-electric prototype, used a liquid hydrogen tank and H2FLY-developed fuel cell system, emitting only water.
The flight, supported by the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program, showed the potential for emissions-free regional journeys without runways. It marked a major step in Joby’s technology roadmap, which now includes both battery-electric and hydrogen-electric platforms.
JoeBen Bevirt explained, “The vast majority of the design, testing, and certification work we’ve completed on our battery-electric aircraft carries over to commercializing hydrogen-electric flight.”
A Model for Hydrogen Aviation Ecosystems
The lessons Joby is learning from flight testing and fuel cell integration to collaboration with government and global OEMs are valuable to the broader hydrogen aviation sector.
This is the ecosystem HYSKY Connect is building.
Join HYSKY Connect — Where Hydrogen Meets Aviation
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Join the global platform where hydrogen producers, fuel cell developers, logistics teams, aircraft engineers, and certification experts come together to scale zero-emission aviation.
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FAQ: Beginner’s Guide to Hydrogen Aviation
What is hydrogen-electric flight?
It uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity onboard an aircraft, which then powers electric motors.
Did Joby build a hydrogen-powered aircraft?
Yes. In 2024, Joby flew a 523-mile hydrogen-electric VTOL demonstrator based on its existing aircraft architecture.
What is H2FLY?
A hydrogen aviation company acquired by Joby in 2021. It designed the fuel cell system used in Joby’s demonstrator.
What was the significance of the 523-mile flight?
It was likely the longest hydrogen-electric VTOL flight ever and demonstrated practical regional travel potential.
Is hydrogen flight safe?
Yes, when engineered and managed properly. Hydrogen is already used in space and heavy industry with established safety protocols.
What does HYSKY Connect do?
It connects professionals across hydrogen and aviation to accelerate the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and infrastructure.
Can hydrogen and battery systems be combined?
Yes. Hybrid systems using both technologies are being explored to optimize performance and flexibility.
How can I get involved in hydrogen aviation?
Join HYSKY Connect at connect.hysky.org to network, promote your work, and help build a zero-emission future.
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