Hyundai’s Pursuit of Flying Cars and the Roadmap Ahead
Remember way back when we imagined there would be flying cars by now? Well, according to Michael Cole, the UK head of Hyundai, that previous childhood concept just might come into actuality. This highly anticipated technological advancement has been long thought of since Robert Zemeckis’s Back To The Future II, and may become a reality within the remaining years of this decade.
During an interview with Top Gear, Michael Cole, the UK head of Hyundai, was questioned about the feasibility of flying cars, a long-awaited vision of the future. Cole responded by stating that while it is possible to envision the implementation of Urban Air Mobility for cargo transportation within cities, the prospect of flying cars for passenger use is more likely to materialize towards the end of this decade, albeit on a smaller scale.
At CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2020, Hyundai showcased its autonomous VOTL (vertical take-off and landing) crafts, demonstrating its commitment to advancing the field of aerial transportation. Additionally, Hyundai’s U.S.-based subsidiary, Supernal, is specifically focused on expediting the development of Advanced Air Mobility.
Hyundai has initiated a collaborative effort with the UK government to introduce its own aircraft for transporting cargo and potentially passengers within cities. Through a partnership with Coventry City Council and the UK Government, a project known as “Air One” will be established. This innovative hub aims to facilitate the operation of vertical take-off and landing vehicles, encompassing delivery drones as well as air taxis.
A collaborative effort between Hyundai and its subsidiary, Supernal, has resulted in the creation of a battery-electric flying car, which has been showcased through renders. Notably, Supernal unveiled an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) concept resembling a helicopter at the Farnborough International Airshow last year. This concept was considered a preview of a forthcoming passenger aircraft. The design of the five-seater cabin was crafted by Hyundai’s automotive designers, drawing inspiration from the principles of “biomimicry philosophy,” with a specific focus on butterflies.
It might surprise some that Hyundai’s involvement with flying cars isn’t a recent development. Last year, Mohammed Ali Berawi, the deputy head of the Green and Digital Transformations Department at the National Capital Authority of Nusantara, revealed that the government had entered into a memorandum of understanding with the automaker. This partnership aimed to establish a network within the country to support the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project. The collaboration between Hyundai and the Indonesian government signifies a significant step forward in the advancement of aerial transportation initiatives.
According to Mohammed, Hyundai is scheduled to commence testing the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project in Nusantara by 2024. Mohammed further emphasized that this collaboration has the potential to pave the way for Hyundai to spearhead the development of Indonesia’s inaugural flying cars. Despite the infancy stage of flying car technology, the deputy head expressed a forward-thinking approach, acknowledging that widespread adoption of such technology in Nusantara might take several decades to materialize.
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