Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a groundbreaking $500 million investment in a production facility for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Joby Aviation, based in Santa Cruz, California, has accepted $325 million in government incentives to open the 140-acre plant in Dayton. This investment brings us one step closer to the futuristic fantasy of flying taxis becoming a reality in our cities.
eVTOL vehicles are innovative, high-tech cabs capable of vertical takeoff and landing, as well as traveling at considerable speeds over significant distances. Companies like United Airlines are partnering with manufacturers to make this once-pie-in-the-sky dream a reality. In fact, Blade has announced plans to launch a swift and near-silent eVTOL service from Midtown Manhattan to the Hamptons, and Wing, a Google subsidiary, has already been using eVTOL vehicles for package delivery.
Joby Aviation, which purchased Uber Elevate in 2020, plans to offer ride-sharing services using their eVTOLs by 2025. These drone-like crafts can accommodate four passengers and a pilot and have already logged approximately 30,000 hours in prototype testing. Joby has also partnered with major transportation and tech companies such as Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Intel.
The chosen site for the production facility is strategically located near the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which houses the Air Force Research Laboratory headquarters. This proximity will foster collaboration and innovation in the development of advanced aerial mobility technologies.
eVTOLs are expected to be the future of flight, with manufacturers touting its benefits in terms of transportation efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Joby, for instance, aims to manufacture up to 500 eVTOLs in Ohio annually.
This investment in the production facility not only creates new job opportunities but also signals Ohio’s commitment to embracing the future of transportation. The state, known for its manufacturing prowess, is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging eVTOL industry. Governor DeWine said, “This is a big deal for us. It’s a signal to people that Ohio is looking to the future.”
With the Ohio investment, electric aerial vehicles are getting a significant boost, bringing us closer to a world where taxis soar above city streets, alleviating congestion and revolutionizing urban transportation.
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