Hyundai’s ambitious goal of creating an electric air taxi service by 2028 offers some insight into the potential of sustainable air mobility and signifies a significant step forward for urban transportation. The launch of Supernal’s S-A2, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, by the Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary highlights Supernal’s dedication to reshaping urban aviation and tackling urban traffic issues.
With its distributed electric propulsion architecture, this state-of-the-art aircraft is designed to meet the demands of both inner-city and suburban travel. It can reach an impressive cruising speed of 120 miles per hour at 1,500 feet, which makes it a perfect means of quick and effective urban transportation.
In addition, Hyundai’s strategic partnerships with prominent players in the sector, such Joby Aviation and Uber Elevate, not only speeds up the development of electric air taxis but also highlight the company’s commitment to building a strong ecosystem for urban air transportation. With a strong team of 600 experts committed to this innovative initiative, Hyundai is well-positioned to spearhead the electric air taxi industry and use its resources and experience to realize this cutting-edge form of transportation. The company’s relentless pursuit of urban air mobility demonstrates its steadfast dedication to innovation and sustainability, laying the groundwork for a revolutionary change in how people move inside urban environments and eventually opening the door to a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.
The S-A2 aircraft distinguishes itself in the electric air taxi market with its flexible cabin design in addition to its novel distributed electric powertrain architecture. Because of its modular design, the battery can be easily replaced, demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to maintaining the aircraft’s technological advancements and environmental sustainability.
For example, the modular architecture of the S-A2 enables quick modifications as battery technology advances, guaranteeing that the air taxi stays at the forefront of efficiency and performance.
This forward-thinking strategy fits with Hyundai’s dedication to offering innovative, flexible urban air mobility solutions that meet the changing demands of transportation in the future.
The S-A2’s sophisticated design is complemented by a thorough certification procedure that it is going through with the FAA to ensure safe and legal commercial operation. This meticulous procedure demonstrates Hyundai’s steadfast dedication to adhering to the strictest safety regulations and standards, guaranteeing that the S-A2 is prepared to completely transform air travel upon its introduction in 2028. Hyundai’s careful approach to certification demonstrates its commitment to provide a dependable and trustworthy electric air taxi service, with compliance measures anticipated in 2025.
Hyundai’s electric air taxi project has advanced significantly as a result of its strategic partnership with Joby Aviation and Uber Elevate. Over time, the collaboration has grown as Hyundai has strengthened its dedication to promoting innovation in the air taxi sector.
Aside from the joint ventures with Uber Elevate and Joby Aviation, Hyundai’s electric air taxi initiative has substantial backing from the Hyundai Motor Group and aviation vendors. This strong support network gives the project the tools it needs to overcome operational and technological obstacles, which ultimately helps to ensure the development and deployment of the S-A2 vehicles are successful.
Hyundai’s CES 2024 participation
Hyundai’s presence at CES 2024 was a critical turning point in its development toward the 2028 debut of its electric air taxi service. Hyundai revealed the S-A2 concept during the event, which sets a new benchmark for urban air mobility through a spectacular marriage of automotive design and state-of-the-art aircraft engineering.
The unique egg-shaped cabin of the S-A2, together with its remarkable 120 mph top speed and 1,500 feet of operational altitude, showcase Hyundai’s resolve to transform urban transportation with cutting-edge design and technology. Hyundai’s dedication to offering urban commuters easy, sustainable, and efficient air travel in response to the pressing issues of urban transit and congestion is demonstrated by this future aircraft.
Jaiwon Shin, CEO of Supernal and president of the Hyundai Motor Group, stated at the event that “Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.” According to Shin, the company’s goal is to provide “the right product” at the right time.
According to Shin, the business intends to start flight testing by the end of 2024 and will file for certification in the US in the middle of the year.
According to Shin, Hyundai is looking into a variety of battery choices, such as solid-state and lithium-metal batteries, in a Bloomberg TV interview.
Through a number of patents, the automaker has been exploring solid-state batteries. Hyundai very recently submitted a US patent application for a pressurized, all-solid-state electric vehicle battery system.
Prospects for the Future
Hyundai is showing its dedication to keeping on the cutting edge of technical breakthroughs in the electric air taxi sector by continuing to explore several battery solutions for the S-A2 vehicle.
For example, Hyundai’s exploration of various chemistries for cutting-edge battery technology shows its forward-thinking strategy for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of its air transportation solutions. Hyundai intends to address the main issues with electric air taxis, such as range, endurance, and environmental effect, by funding research and development to enhance battery performance, therefore securing its place as an industry leader.
