Toyota Motor Corporation successfully conducted its first test flight of a flying car in Japan, the company announced Saturday, NikkeiAsia reports.
The prototype, an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, was developed by U.S. startup Joby Aviation, in which Toyota is a key investor. This marks a notable milestone for Toyota as it explores the potential of air transport for urban environments.
The eVTOL aircraft, designed for quiet operation, has a top speed of around 320 kilometers per hour. This October test at Toyota’s R&D facility in Susono, Shizuoka, offered Japanese media a first look at the vehicle, which had previously undergone successful tests in the U.S. Its quieter operation compared to helicopters makes it an attractive option for future air taxis in crowded city areas.
Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, underscored the potential lifestyle transformation enabled by this technology. “It takes four to five hours to drive here from Tokyo, but flying would take just 25 minutes,” he said. “This will change people’s lifestyles.”
As Toyota ventures into the air mobility space, the test flight demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing transportation options beyond traditional vehicles, envisioning a future where eVTOLs play a central role in quick, urban transit.
