ROBOTAXIS / FLYING TAXIS
JOBY AVIATION COMPLETES TEST FLIGHT WITH HYDROGEN-POWERED AIR TAXI
Joby Aviation has successfully completed a test flight of a hydrogen-powered electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant step towards emissions-free regional travel. The California-based company recently announced that the aircraft flew a distance of 454 nautical miles (841 kilometers) over its Marina base, powered solely by liquid hydrogen. The flight, which took place on June 24, is believed to be the first of its kind for a
vertical take-off aircraft. Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt described the achievement as a potential game-changer for air travel, envisioning a future where pas- sengers can travel between major cities without the need for airports or producing harmful emissions. The project was supported by the US Air Force’s Agility Prime programme, which aims to advance innovative vertical lift technologies. The hydrogen- electric demonstrator aircraft was developed in collaboration with
Joby’s German subsidiary, H2FLY. While Joby plans to
launch
commercial operations of its battery-electric eVTOL in 2025, the hydrogen-powered aircraft rep- resents a longer-term vision for the company. The company has secured significant funding from investors including Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber. In a separate development, Joby acquired the autonomy division of startup Xwing last month, paving the way for potential pilotless operations in the future.
RIMAC UNVEILS LUXURY SELF-DRIVING TAXI SET TO LAUNCH IN UK WITHIN THREE YEARS
Croatian electric car powerhouse Rimac has shaken up the transportation industry with the unveiling of Verne, a high-end, self- driving taxi service. The company aims to launch the service in the UK within the next three years. Unlike traditional taxis, Verne promises a luxurious and personalised experience. The two- seater electric vehicle boasts an interior space rivalling that of a Rolls-Royce, with spacious, adaptable seats and a massive 43- inch control screen.
46
“We wanted to create a living room on wheels,” said Verne designer Adriano Mudri, who also crafted the Rimac Nevera hypercar. Verne’s ride-hailing app will allow passengers to customise their journeys, from pre-setting cabin temperature to selecting their preferred scent. The company also aims to eliminate the frustrating problem of ride cancellations. Powered by Mobileye’s auto- nomous driving technology, the Verne taxi is designed for
adaptability across different regions and driving conditions. Its sleek, aerodynamic design prioritises both aesthetics and functionality. Production of the Verne taxi will take place in Zagreb, Croatia, with the service set to launch there in 2026.
The UK and Germany are on the list for 2027, as Verne aims to expand to 11 cities globally. With a focus on comfort, technology, and reliability, Verne is poised to redefine urban transportation.
AUGUST 2024 PHTM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
