Hyundai’s US-based urban air mobility company, Supernal, has revealed its initial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle cabin concept at Farnborough International Airshow.
Developed in partnership with Hyundai’s design studios, the concept cabin provides a look at how the South Korean auto manufacturer is integrating automotive capabilities to develop the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market.
“In order for Advanced Air Mobility to become a wide-spread mode of transportation, every detail – from the passenger experience to regulations and infrastructure – needs to be addressed from the start and work in lockstep with one another,” said Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal.
Headquartered in Washington D.C. Supernal is also working to certify its eVTOL vehicle for commercial use in the United States starting in 2028 – then in the E.U. and U.K. shortly after.
Beyond the vehicle, the company is collaborating with external partners and Hyundai’s more than 50 affiliates – which span automobiles, automotive parts, construction, robotics and autonomous driving – to responsibly co-create the expansive AAM value chain.
“Hyundai Motor Group is working to leverage synergies between automotive’s high-rate manufacturing capabilities and aerospace’s high certification standards to build the foundation for everyday use of passenger and cargo air vehicles,” Shin said.
With sustainability as a priority, the cabin concept incorporates materials such as advanced recyclable carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic, durable plant-based leather, recycled plastic fabric and responsibly sourced woods. The seat frame also utilizes excess raw material from the airframe manufacturing process.
“The Supernal eVTOL vehicle draws on the competence of the Hyundai Motor Group and the skillset of experienced automotive designers, which allowed us to develop a new air mobility concept that is not only safe and rational but also highly emotional,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer for the Hyundai Motor Group.