Hyundai’s advanced air mobility company, Supernal, has presented an evolved version of its electric flying taxi at CES. The four-passenger S-A2 is powered by solid-state batteries and offers a quiet operating noise similar to a dishwasher, making it suitable for urban transportation. Supernal plans to apply for certification in the US in mid-2024, with flight testing expected to begin by the end of the same year and an official vehicle launch scheduled for 2028.
At CES Tuesday, Supernal, Hyundai’s advanced air mobility company, presented its electric flying taxi. The S-A2, a four-passenger eVTOL vehicle, is powered by solid-state batteries and boasts a quiet operating noise comparable to a dishwasher. It is an evolved version of the initial concept that was unveiled at CES in 2020. By merging automotive design with innovative aerospace engineering, Hyundai has developed a novel mode of urban transportation. During the event, Jaiwon Shin, the president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal, declared that Supernal is prepared to usher in a new era of flight.
Shin explained that Hyundai is dedicated to delivering the right product at the right time. As part of their mission, they have designed the S-A2, a V-Tail electric aircraft that can cruise at speeds of 120 miles per hour at an altitude of 1,500 feet. This electric air taxi is specifically designed for city travel, offering convenient 25 to 40-mile trips.
The aircraft is equipped with eight tilting rotors and a distributed electric propulsion system. Hyundai assures that it will operate quietly, generating only 65 dB during vertical takeoff and landing, and a mere 45 dB while cruising.
When designing the S-A2, Hyundai placed great emphasis on sustainability and comfort. The airframe structure incorporates the powertrain, flight controls, and avionics, ensuring a seamless system. The tilting rotor is responsible for powering the vehicle during both vertical and horizontal cruise stages of flight.
Hyundai is exploring various battery options, such as lithium-metal and solid-state batteries, as stated by Shin in an interview with Bloomberg TV. The automaker has been researching solid-state batteries through multiple patents. One of their recent patents filed in the US is for a pressurized all-solid-state EV battery system.
To maintain quality while keeping costs low, Hyundai plans to leverage its mass production network to manufacture the vehicle. Ben Diachun, CTO at Supernal, highlighted that the electric air taxi is designed to maximize the benefits of emerging electric powertrain advancements.
In mid-2024, the company intends to apply for certification in the US, with flight testing slated to commence by the end of the same year. Supernal’s official vehicle launch is scheduled for 2028.
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At CES, Hyundai’s advanced air mobility company, Supernal, unveiled the S-A2, an electric flying taxi powered by solid-state batteries. It can accommodate four passengers and offers quiet operation, comparable to a dishwasher. Hyundai plans to apply for certification in the US in mid-2024, with flight testing scheduled for later that year, and aims to launch the vehicle in 2028
