If you’re feeling short-changed by the fact that we still don’t have flying cars — despite the most convincing of predictions by Back To The Future II — fear not: they’ll be here before the decade is out. Or, at least, that’s what Michael Cole, Hyundai’s UK boss, says.
Cole was speaking to Top Gear, who quizzed the Korean automaker’s UK boss about the chances of these fabled elements of the future. “We could see some intra-city type application with the Urban Air Mobility for cargo, but maybe for passengers. But that’s towards the end of this decade and obviously smaller scale,” said Cole.
Hyundai has previously shown off autonomous VOTL (vertical take-off and landing) craft at CES 2020, while their U.S.-based subsidy Supernal is dedicated to accelerating the development of Advanced Air Mobility.
Related: Hyundai Previews Supernal eVTOL Electric Air Mobility Solution For 2028
Hyundai is already working with the UK government to launch its own craft to fly cargo (and maybe even humans) across cities. A deal with the Coventry City Council and the UK Government will see the creation of “Air One” — a hub for vertical take-off and landing craft, including delivery drones and air taxis.
We’ve also seen renders of a battery-electric flying car that was created in collaboration with Supernal. Last year, Supernal launched a helicopter-like eVTOL concept at the Farnborough International Airshow. At the time it was said to preview an upcoming passenger aircraft. The five-seater cabin was created by Hyundai’s automotive designers, taking inspiration from the “biomimicry philosophy” and more specifically butterflies.
This battery-powered vehicle was designed for short urban journeys, while a longer-range version if also in the works. In the pursuit of getting more flying hours, it would seem Hyundai is leveraging its expertise in the field of hydrogen technology, with the next concept proposed to arrive before the end of the decade being powered by H2.
