Hyundai Unveils Futuristic Electric Air Taxi at CES – The Future of Urban Mobility Takes Flight.
In a groundbreaking move, Hyundai’s advanced air mobility subsidiary, Supernal, stole the spotlight at CES as it revealed its innovative electric flying taxi, the S-A2. Imagine cruising above cityscapes in a four-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, designed to revolutionize urban travel.
The S-A2: Hyundai’s Vision for the Future
Building upon its initial CES 2020 concept, Hyundai’s S-A2 blends auto design with cutting-edge aerospace engineering, promising a paradigm shift in transportation. Supernal aims to usher in a new era of flight, as Hyundai Motor Group President and Supernal CEO Jaiwon Shin declared at the CES event, expressing the company’s commitment to delivering “the right product” at the perfect moment.
Quiet and Sustainable: The Engineering Marvel
The S-A2 boasts an impressive design, featuring eight tilting rotors and a distributed electric propulsion system. Hyundai’s emphasis on sustainability and comfort is evident in the airframe structure, powertrain, flight controls, and avionics. Remarkably, the electric air taxi is engineered to “operate as quietly as a dishwasher,” producing 65 dB during vertical takeoff and landing and a mere 45 dB while cruising.
High-Speed City Travel
Designed for urban exploration, the S-A2 is a V-Tail electric aircraft built to cruise at 120 miles per hour at an altitude of 1,500 feet. With a focus on short trips ranging from 25 to 40 miles, Hyundai envisions this electric flying taxi as the ideal solution for convenient city travel.
Innovative Propulsion and Cost-Effective Production
The propulsion system utilizes the titling rotors to power both vertical and horizontal cruise stages during flight. Hyundai plans to leverage its mass production network to keep costs down while ensuring the highest quality. Ben Diachun, CTO at Supernal, affirms that the electric air taxi is “designed to take full advantage of emerging electric powertrain advancements.”
Future Certifications and Launch Plans
Excitingly, Supernal aims to apply for US certification in mid-2024, with flight tests scheduled to commence by the end of that year. The official launch of the S-A2 is anticipated in 2028, marking a significant milestone in Hyundai’s venture into advanced air mobility.
The Power Behind the Flight: Exploring Battery Options
Hyundai’s commitment to innovation extends to its exploration of diverse battery options. Jaiwon Shin, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, revealed that the company is considering lithium-metal and solid-state batteries to power the S-A2. Hyundai’s recent patent filing for a pressurized all-solid-state EV battery system in the US highlights the automaker’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.
As Hyundai boldly propels itself into the future of urban air mobility, the S-A2 electric flying taxi stands as a testament to innovation, sustainability, and a vision for redefining the way we traverse our cities. Buckle up for a ride into the future with Hyundai’s cutting-edge air mobility solutions!
FAQ:
Q1: What is Hyundai’s S-A2 electric flying taxi?
A: The S-A2 is Hyundai’s cutting-edge electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, designed for urban mobility.
Q2: How fast does the S-A2 fly?
A: The S-A2 cruises at 120 miles per hour at an altitude of 1,500 feet, perfect for short trips within cities.
Q3: When will the S-A2 be officially launched?
A: Supernal plans to launch the S-A2 in 2028, following anticipated US certification in mid-2024 and flight tests by the end of the same year.
Q4: What makes the S-A2 unique?
A: With eight tilting rotors and a distributed electric propulsion system, the S-A2 operates quietly, focusing on sustainability and comfort in urban air travel.
