Joby Aviation achieves 523-mile test flight with hydrogen-powered air taxi

Joby Aviation has successfully completed a 523-mile test flight with a hydrogen-powered electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.

This marks the first forward flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered eVTOL. The prototype, retaining most of its original components, features a 40-kilogram liquid hydrogen fuel tank that powers the aircraft's six electric motors.

Set to start commercial operations by 2025, Joby's battery-electric air taxi currently has a range of 100 miles. The hydrogen-powered variant promises longer, emission-free inter-city travel and quicker refueling. CEO JoeBen Bevirt envisions flights between major cities without airport requirements and with zero emissions.

A challenge remains in sourcing sustainable liquid hydrogen, but Bevirt is optimistic about government support and the future of hydrogen aviation, citing the US's $7 billion investment in green hydrogen hubs. This milestone could significantly advance the transition to zero-emission air travel.

The world is shifting to a hydrogen economy and aviation is one of the most important use cases for that green hydrogen supply,

states Bevirt.