Hyundai’s concept for a fully electric air taxi fits up to four passengers and is piloted, for now, but the eventual plan is ride-sharing in self-flying planes.
Uber and Hyundai are collaborating to release an electric air taxi. The automaker showed a full-scale concept of one at the CES technology show this week. Reuters reports, quoting Hyundai executive vice-chairman Euisun Chung, that the automaker expects to have air taxis flying around metropolitan skies by 2028. Uber plans to have its Uber Air ride-sharing program launched by 2023.
Code-named S-A1, the personal air vehicle concept is fully electric and has vertical takeoff and landing capability. It’s meant to cruise at speeds up to 180 mph at 1000 to 2000 feet above the ground. Hyundai says that it’ll take just five to seven minutes to recharge during a surge. And no need to worry, this thing will be piloted, for now at least. Hyundai says that the future plan is that they will be autonomous.
This design concept is meant to push innovation and development for wing design, noise, aerodynamics, and simulation verification. Noise is important when it comes to urban areas. Because it uses distributed electric propulsion and several smaller rotors, S-A1 is quieter than large-rotor helicopters with internal-combustion engines.
The pilot seems to get the most legroom, although the flying Hyundai has room for four passengers in the rear. We just hope some of the drivers deck them out with cabin lights and supply the Fiji water bottles and breath mints.
