eVTOL air taxi battery technologies are being developed by Supernal in partnership with Electric Power Systems. With the maturing of the urban air mobility market, the companies will work together to develop lightweight eVTOL batteries and to enable longer, more affordable air taxi flights.

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“Advanced air mobility requires an expansive value chain, and many aspects—from battery power to digital infrastructure and passenger experience—require improvements and cross-chain integration to enable progress,” said Jaiwon Shin, CEO of Supernal and president of Hyundai Motor Group. “We are humbled and excited to work with Electric Power Systems and develop game-changing technologies that will revolutionize air travel and increase human possibility.”

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At the Farnborough International Airshow, where Supernal had a cabin concept for its SA-1 eVTOL on display, Supernal and EP Systems formalized their new partnership on July 20.

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Energy storage systems are developed by EP Systems for electric aviation, and the company also offers electric propulsion products and charging stations for automotive, marine, and defense applications. Boeing's Cargo Air Vehicle (CAV) and NASA's X-57 both use the company's high-power batteries.

It plans to bring into commercial service by 2028 an eVTOL air taxi called SA-1 developed by Supernal, which is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group. FAA type certification is expected to begin in 2024, according to the company. Supernal announced earlier this year that it would introduce an eSTOL aircraft powered by hydrogen.

The company expects to eventually switch to autonomous flight with a six-passenger version of its SA-1, which will initially be piloted by a pilot. In order to introduce its air taxi services in Miami, the company has chosen the city.

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With a range of about 60 miles (100 km), the SA-1 eVTOL aircraft will cruise at 180 mph (290 km/h) and an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 feet (300 to 600 meters). According to Supernal, recharging takes about five to seven minutes between flights. Although the company hasn't revealed too much about its design, the SA-1 will feature a distributed electric propulsion system with multiple rotors and propellers to reduce noise and improve safety.

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