Toyota to supply electric drive systems for Joby
California-based electric aircraft start-up Joby Aviation has signed a long-term agreement with Toyota to supply powertrains and other components for its aircraft. These are Joby-developed parts that Toyota manufactures on a contract basis.
However, it is not just contract manufacturing, the Japanese have a vested interest in the success of the electric aircraft start-up: Toyota had invested close to $400 million in Joby Aviation in 2020 and is the company’s largest shareholder.
The components developed by Joby and manufactured by Toyota will be delivered to Joby’s powertrain and electronics manufacturing facility in San Carlos, where they will be assembled into finished assemblies for the company’s pilot production line in Marina. Exactly what components are involved is not clear from Joby’s announcement. What is clear is that the Marina facilities were also designed with Toyota’s help to test the scalability of the low-volume machines and processes before scaling up production.
Earlier reports cited a planned start of commercial operations in 2024. Joby cites a top speed of 200 miles per hour (322 kph) and a range of 150 miles (241 km) as key specifications for its model. No date is given in the current announcement.
“Our partnership with Toyota continues to be an integral part of Joby’s success, from assisting in the design of our pilot production line in Marina, California, to supplying key components for our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby founder and CEO. “Their expertise and knowledge has helped put us on track to deliver, at scale, an aircraft that we believe is truly best-in-class.”
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