Joby Aviation successfully completed a 523-mile test flight of its hydrogen-powered electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This marked the first known forward flight of a hydrogen-powered eVTOL using liquid hydrogen. The prototype’s only byproduct was water vapor.
The company stated that this test flight points to the future of emission-free regional aviation in an industry heavily reliant on fossil fuels. If the hydrogen-powered model goes into production, emission-free intercity aviation could be faster than travel by car or traditional airplanes.
Joby plans to begin commercial operations of its air taxi as early as 2025. Since the eVTOL doesn’t require a runway and is limited to a range of 100 miles before needing to recharge, it offers a suitable option for short-distance travel.
Statements from CEO JoeBen Bevirt
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, said, “Imagine flying from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without going to the airport and with only water emissions. This world is closer than ever.”
Bevirt is confident that governments will provide adequate support for the supply and distribution of hydrogen and green hydrogen. The US has allocated $7 billion to establish green hydrogen hubs across the country under the bipartisan infrastructure law. Bevirt stated, “The world is transitioning to a hydrogen economy, and aviation is one of the key uses for this green hydrogen supply.”
© www.aerohaber.com | www.tr.aerohaber.com
Note: Aviation news on our news site cannot be used without citing the source.
