From the animated comedy ‘Jetsons’ to ‘Blade Runner’, flying cars have been a constant theme of blockbuster sci-fi films.

Science fiction officially became reality, according to MailOnline, when a real flying taxi, covered the distance of 902 km on a test flight in California.

The creator of the flying car is the airline company Joby Aviation and its only fuel is hydrogen, so it emits nothing but steam into the atmosphere.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, said: “Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, from Boston to Baltimore, from Nashville to New Orleans, without having to go to the airport and broadcasting to the environment steam only. This world is closer than ever.”

What sets this flying car apart from others

The craft’s batteries have been replaced with a fuel cell capable of holding 40 kg (88 lb) of liquid hydrogen that can be converted into electricity, heat and water vapor in flight.

However, the taxi still retains some onboard batteries to provide additional power during takeoff and landing.

The advantage of using hydrogen is that allows the aircraft to travel much further without refueling.

A battery-equipped version of the flying taxi could fly for 100 to 150 miles (160 to 240 km) before needing to recharge.

This flying car can carry up to four passengers with a maximum speed of 200 km per hour. It can fly comfortably within the city.

This hydrogen design, however, it would allow the taxi to travel between cities and countries without needing to refuel.

When will it hit the streets?

Joby says it is the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft to complete three of five rounds of FAA certification.

The original test craft has now completed 25,000 miles (40,000 km) of test flights in Marina, California and New York.

Joby says it will now focus on securing stage four certification and expects the battery design to be available for sale until 2025.

Joby Aviation has previously claimed that its flying taxi journeys will be available in Dubai from early next year.