Hyundai has a dream of taking to the skies, and its aerospace division, Supernal, has just revealed its second electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The S-A2 builds upon the foundation set by its initial concept, the S-A1 (previously unveiled at CES in 2020). It has evolved into a more comprehensive and production-ready form, offering a glimpse into Hyundai and Supernal’s vision for the future of aerial mobility.
It features eight tilting propellers that get the S-A2 up to a cruising speed of 120 mph (193 km/h), and up to an altitude of 1,500 feet (457 meters). Hyundai says that its production eVTOLs will be designed for short, 25- to 40-mile (40-64 km) trips at first.
That will make them best suited to cities, where traveling short distances can take a long time on the ground. And to ensure that they don’t bother residents, Hyundai says that the S-A2’s rotors would generate only 65 dB while taking off, and 45 dB while cruising. That makes them roughly as loud as a dishwasher, meaning they won’t be a nuisance.
Read: Hyundai Wants Flying Cars To Be A Reality Within The Decade
Supernal says that Hyundai’s input into the design process was helpful for designing the S-A2. For instance, the cabin has four seats for passengers, and they are clearly differentiated from the pilot’s seat. All are made out of aviation-grade, energy-absorbing materials, for safety.
“S-A2 is a true representation of ‘auto meets aero,’” said Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group’s chief design officer. “Drawing on the competence of Supernal’s top aerospace engineers and Hyundai Motor Group’s world-renowned automotive designers to create human-centric design that maximizes passenger experience and safety.”
As evident from its design, the S-A2 isn’t exactly a conventional flying car. It’s primarily designed for aerial transportation, and Hyundai specifies that vertiports will serve as the take-off and landing locations for its eVTOLs. At these vertiports, passengers will be collected, dropped off, and then continue their journey to their ultimate destination.
Simulated Flights Over LA at CES
While the concept vehicle isn’t currently operational for passenger flights, Supernal has set up a vertiport exhibition in the Diamond parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. At this exhibition, CES attendees have the opportunity to experience a simulated flight over Los Angeles, providing them with insight into how this technology could simplify urban transportation.
Supernal says that it is now working to refine the S-A2 concept to get it ready for certification. It says that its vehicle is being designed to meet flight standards around the globe, and it wants to add things like modular interiors and removable battery packs, as the technology becomes available.
It hopes to lean on Hyundai’s experience in mass production to eventually make the real version of its eVTOL. It anticipates that it will be ready to enter the market in 2028.
