Hyundai To Build A Flying Autonomous Taxi!

For decades, automobile brands have been trying to revolutionize our everyday transport system. From hovering cars to flying concept cars, all have found a place in our imagination. But as is said in the techno industry, the future is closer than we think. Hyundai and Uber have joined forces, aiming towards a completely new way of public transportation.

Hyundai’s Flying Taxi

Time and again, Hyundai has revealed its concept for an urban air mobility solution. The ‘SA-1’ flying taxi is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, capable of carrying 4 passengers. The brand aims to complete all the necessary paperwork and present the final model of the SA-1 to the world by the year 2028. To fast-track this process, Hyundai has carved a separate arm called the Supernal to look over its ambitions for air mobility.

Where does Uber come in?

Unlike other concept flying cars, the SA-1 shall not be sold to the public but will be used in collaboration with Uber as a flying Taxi. At the reveal event of the SA-1 in LA, the head of elevate, Uber said that the network and behind-the-scenes management done by the company will help expand the demand for air mobility. Uber has already started its Copter Service (helicopter service) and is looking forward to low-altitude flying vehicles.

What do Hyundai and Uber aim to achieve?

With the SA-1, Hyundai and Uber are not just providing an air mobility solution but a network to enhance the overall experience. This network would encompass sky ports, dedicated electric tram service, and switching hubs; all of this shall be taken care of by the Uber network, while you only press a button to book your seat for the SA-1. In the beginning, the SA-1 will be a manned aircraft, but Hyundai aims for it to become fully autonomous in the years after. Knowing that the future is headed towards electrification, the SA-1 is a completely electric aircraft, with superior design and safety features. The aircraft offers a “redundant” propeller design as said by the company, to offer better safety in the event where a single motor fails to work. In addition to that, the aircraft also comes equipped with parachutes and can be deployed as and when required.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Hyundai To Build A Flying Autonomous Taxi! - Auto News From India.