Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor is investing $500 million in Joby Aviation to support the U.S. electric air taxi company’s launch of commercial passenger services, which are slated to begin as soon as next year.

Toyota, an existing Joby partner, apparently likes the progress Joby is making. The automaker has agreed to invest an additional $500 million through the purchase of two equal tranches of Joby stock, with the first expected to close later this year and the second in 2025.

Toyota is investing another $500 million in Joby Aviation as part of a partnership aimed at helping get the American air taxi company's commercial business off the ground. Toyota's investment will be used to support certification and production of Joby's electric air taxi,