[CES 2024] Supernal wows show floor with electric "flying car”

Tremendous applause and cheers broke out at CES 2024 when Supernal unveiled its S-A2 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) at the full-scale vertiport Tuesday.

Supernal's flying concept vehicle, which was first unveiled at CES 2024 in Las Vegas [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

LAS VEGAS — Tremendous applause and cheers broke out in front of the Las Vegas Convention Center Tuesday when Supernal unveiled its S-A2 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle in a full-sized vertiport at CES 2024.

It was the first time the Washington-based advanced air mobility (AAM) firm had revealed a full-sized model of the device. AAMs refer to flying vehicles — sometimes advertised as “flying cars,” though they have more in common with commercial aircraft than they do with modern cars — that aim to reduce travel time and lessen traffic congestion.

The aircraft builds on Supernal’s previous concept, the S-A1, which debuted at CES 2020. Supernal is an AAM developer fully owned by Hyundai Motor.

“The unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to deliver on that mission with a safe, efficient vehicle design that provides a clear path to market entry,” said Shin Jai-won, CEO of Supernal, after a presentation at CES 2024, which runs through Friday.

Supernal's flying concept vehicle, which was first unveiled at CES 2024 in Las Vegas [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Supernal's flying concept vehicle, which was first unveiled at CES 2024 in Las Vegas [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

“By leveraging our talented 600-person team, the vast technical and business capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers around the world, Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.”

The aircraft can carry five passengers in total, including the pilot. The 10-meter (33-foot) aircraft can run some 60 kilometers (37 miles) on a single flight at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour and a maximum altitude of 500 meters.

Four of its eight all-tilting rotors tilt upward, while the others tilt downward, during taking off and landing, which Supernal says is the most efficient way to operate AAMs.

The company also claims that the vehicle's noise will not exceed 70 decibels, which is the volume of a typical dishwasher.

Supernal CEO Shin Jai-won answers to the Korean press Tuesday after it unveiled flying car at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. [SARAH CHEA]

Supernal's flying concept vehicle, which was first unveiled at CES 2024 in Las Vegas [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The four-passenger seats can be converted to two larger seats or shut completely to make room for cargo.

Supernal aims to begin testing the prototype at the end of the year with commercialization set for 2028.

“S-A2 is designed to take full advantage of emerging electric powertrain advancements that will define the next generation of aviation,” said Ben Diachun, chief technology officer at Supernal. “From here, we will develop this concept into a revolutionary commercial product.”

Supernal is working with various global companies and government entities, including NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration, to develop the aircraft.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]