Hyundai Motor Group to Build Flying Electric Taxi Plant in the US

Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to construct a flying electric taxi plant in the United States. It is determined to revolutionize urban mobility with its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The South Korean automotive group is aiming to bring flying cars to the market by 2028, according to KED Global.

Unveiling the Facility Construction Plan

Reuters noted that this marks the first time the carmaker has revealed a facility construction plan for its eVTOL aircraft. Although specific details about the location and investment size were not provided, Hyundai Motor Group is making significant strides toward turning its ambitious vision into a reality.

Last month, Hyundai Motor Group, including Kia Corp., showcased the concept model of their eVTOL craft at Seoul ADEX 2023. The aircraft, currently under development by their urban air mobility (UAM) unit Supernal LLC, promises to reshape the future of transportation.

In January next year, Supernal will unveil its prototype at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Shin Jai-won, president of Hyundai Motor Group and chief executive of Supernal, shared during an interview with Bloomberg that this milestone event will demonstrate their commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Impressive Speed and Passenger Capacity

Supernal's eVTOL taxi is designed to fly at a maximum speed of 190 kilometers per hour. With the capacity to accommodate one pilot and four passengers, this aerial mobility solution offers both speed and convenience for urban travel.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to test-fly the eVTOL taxi in December 2024. Following the successful test flight, the commercial launch is expected to take approximately four years. The timeline accounts for advancements in battery technology development, infrastructure integration, and the need for appropriate regulations to govern the operation of flying cars.

The secret to the eVTOL aircraft's commercialization lies in developing lightweight batteries capable of supporting stable flight for extended durations. The battery, which accounts for up to 40% of the aircraft's weight when flying at an altitude of 500 meters or below, presents a significant engineering challenge for the Supernal team.

Navigating Certification and Regulation

According to reports, Supernal plans to submit an application to the US Federal Aviation Administration in the coming months to obtain eVTOL certification. Overcoming regulatory hurdles and ensuring compliance with safety standards will be crucial as Hyundai Motor Group paves the way for a new era of personal aviation.

With Hyundai's factory in Alabama and Kia's plant in Georgia, the South Korean automotive group is strategically positioned to capitalize on its existing manufacturing capabilities. Leveraging their production facilities will aid in expediting the development and deployment of eVTOL aircraft in the US market.

Photo: Hyundai Newsroom