Hyundai Partners with Uber for Flying Taxis

Pop automaker Hyundai Motors has partnered with Uber on its Uber Elevate initiative to make flying aerial taxis a reality. A couple of days back in CES 2020, Hyundai unveiled its new shipping concept and appear that it will mass-produce air taxis for Uber.

With this partnership, Hyundai becomes the first automotive company to join hands with Uber for the futuristic aerial rideshare network. According to the press release, Hyundai will produce and deploy the aircraft while Uber will provide airspace support services, connections to ground send, and user interfaces for people to book the flights.

"Our vision of Urban Air Mobility volition transform the concept of urban transportation. We expect UAM to vitalize urban communities and provide more quality time to people.", said Jaiwon Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai'due south Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Partitioning.

The concept shipping unveiled at CES is chosen Hyundai S-A1. The S-A1 is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It has a cruising speed of up to 290 km/hr and a cruising altitude of around 1,000-2,000 anxiety (300 – 600 mt) above footing. It flies trips up to 100 km on a single charge.

In the initial stages, this new vehicle will exist operated using pilots and later on, information technology volition be fully autonomous. The cabin consists of 4 passenger seats. Take a look at the seating organization below.

hyundai sa1 seating arrangement

The aircraft uses distributed electrical propulsion to power multiple rotors and propellers effectually the airframe. The vehicle will be completely electric and is said to charge completely in about 5 to vii minutes. It is also expected to produce relatively less noise when compared to large helicopters.

Also, the visitor showed-off its Purpose Congenital Vehicle (PBV) concept for passengers to travel to and from the landing space it calls, the Hub. While all these sound expert, nosotros will have to wait until this gets deployed to encounter how these companies tackle the practical difficulties involved with the implementation of this futuristic infrastructure in the real world.