People have dreamed of flying cars for generations. But even though the technology exists, they are not yet commonplace.
However, Joby Aviation may have the technology that will finally bring flying cars closer to the mainstream.
They recently tested their hydrogen-electric air taxi and broke the record for the longest zero-emissions flight.
Their aircraft is a modified electric vehicle. It has six rotors that allow it to take off, fly and land safely thanks to its hydrogen propulsion system – all without harmful emissions.
Their test flight in California took them over 840 kilometers (523 miles) and they say the vehicle can go even farther. At the end of the flight, the vehicle had about 10% of its fuel left.
The only emissions from this flight were pure water.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, issued a statement saying:
“Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without having to use an airport and with no emissions other than water. That world is closer than ever, and the progress we’ve made in certifying the battery-electric version of our aircraft gives us a big head start as we look toward making hydrogen-electric flight a reality.”
The vehicle used for the test can hold 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of liquid hydrogen.
This fuel is then used in a fuel cell system that generates the electricity needed for the flight. In addition, the aircraft has onboard batteries that are used during takeoff and landing.
The batteries also help ensure a stable power supply even if something goes wrong with the hydrogen fuel cell system.
Bevirt further commented on this performance:
“Travel by plane is central to human progress, but we need to find ways to make it cleaner. Our battery-powered air taxi will fundamentally change the way we move around cities. We are now excited to build a technology stack that could redefine regional travel with hydrogen-powered aircraft.”
The company’s goal is to launch a version of this vehicle in 2025 that can be used as a commercially available taxi service.
To do so, however, they must pass additional tests and obtain approval from the relevant safety and aviation authorities at the federal level and in the states in which they wish to operate.
After this test flight, flying cars finally seem to be becoming a reality.
If you find that impressive, read this story about a lithium “gold mine” discovered in the US that could completely change the electric vehicle battery market.
