Toyota-backed Joby eVTOL production to start in California, USA

Apart from Toyota, Joby also has a strong partnership with Delta Airlines.

Joby - an American aviation startup, is all set to build its first electric aircraft at their pilot production line in Marina, California, USA.

The pilot production line in California was built with the help of a $349 million investment from Toyota, back in 2020. The Japanese automaker is currently the company's largest shareholder, with Toyota's design team even helping Joby develop the pilot production line while also supplying powertrain and actuation components for the aircraft.

Joby stated that the first aircraft built at its production line will be the first eVTOL to be delivered to a customer. With delivery expected next year, Joby's first customer is said to be the USAF's Edwards Air Force Base, where it will be used to demonstrate potential logistic use cases. The eVTOL will also be the first-ever to be stationed at a US military base and will be the first of nine aircraft to the Air Force Base.

Coming to the eVTOL itself, Joby will design the components, which will be manufactured by Toyota in Japan, before being sent to the startup's San Carlos facility to be assembled. The assembled systems will then head to the new pilot production line in Marina, where the eVTOLs will be brought to life.

Apart from Toyota, Joby also has a strong partnership with Delta Airlines, with the two of them planning to launch electric-powered passenger flights in 2025. Joby's eVTOLs will be used as electric taxis to transport Delta Airlines' passengers to and from the airports.

Source: AutoEvolution