Uber and Hyundai Partner to Launch Full-Scale Flying Taxi Concept
Uber and Hyundai team up at CES 2020 to unveil a full-scale electric air taxi designed for urban ride-sharing. The S-A1 aircraft aims to revolutionize city transportation with fast, quiet, and efficient flights.
Uber and Hyundai announce a new partnership at CES 2020 to develop air taxis for a future aerial ride-share network. Hyundai becomes the first automotive company to join the Uber Elevate initiative, leveraging its mass-production expertise for electric vehicles. The collaboration includes a full-scale aircraft concept designed specifically for urban aerial transportation.
The newly unveiled S-A1 personal air vehicle is a fully electric aircraft that cruises at speeds up to 180 miles per hour at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 feet. It features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, a flight range of 60 miles, and a quick recharge time of just five to seven minutes during peak hours. Multiple smaller rotors keep noise levels significantly lower than traditional helicopters, making it ideal for city environments.
Inside the cabin, the S-A1 comfortably seats four passengers and includes space for personal bags while deliberately avoiding a middle seat. The aircraft is designed to be piloted initially, but the partners plan to transition to fully autonomous operations in the future. Additionally, Uber and Hyundai are working together on infrastructure concepts to support the takeoff and landing requirements of these innovative vehicles.