Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group's (HMG) AAM company, has opened its primary R&D facility in Fremont, California. This marks the third and final facility Supernal will open this year, the others being the company's engineering headquarters in Irvine, California and policy and commercial hub in Washington, DC.

Supernal selected Fremont due to its proximity to Silicon Valley's renowned tech ecosystem. The company's 72,000sq ft facility, located in the Scott Creek Business Park, serves as a home base to more than 100 employees across its battery, intelligent systems, autonomy and core operations teams. Primarily focused on AAM R&D, these teams are working to address the unique challenges and opportunities within battery technology for electric air travel applications.

"Batteries are the linchpin of advanced air mobility and critical to powering the next generation of flight, which we see as everyday electric air travel," says HMG president and Supernal CEO Jaiwon Shin. "Fremont, with its vibrant tech ecosystem, offers a robust talent pool that will enable Supernal to continue advancing the power and energy capabilities of safe aviation-grade batteries."

Supernal's battery efforts are crucial to the development of its eVTOL vehicle. The company, established in 2020, is taking an 'open ecosystem approach' to developing lightweight and powerful batteries that meet commercial aviation's high safety standards. This involves harnessing in-house talent and helping to grow the pool of aviation suppliers in this emerging vertical.

Supernal plans to hire more than 20 employees at its Fremont facility this year, and is seeking engineers with experience in autonomy, battery development and intelligent systems.

The Fremont R&D facility is emblematic of a shift in corporate workplace design, prioritising functionality, choice and a sense of belonging. At the heart of this new approach is a design philosophy referred to as kinship, that aims to foster community and encourage collaboration among employees.

From spaces for unplanned interactions to an environment that fosters a visible culture of health and well-being, every design feature serves a clear purpose. Areas of respite and a balanced mix of individual and collaborative spaces underline the company's dedication to both creativity and efficiency.

Thoughtful amenities, such as a gym, rest pods, EV charging stations and meditation rooms, are complemented by panoramic mountain views and the inclusion of greenery and plants throughout. The company's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through green initiatives such as a microgrid to capture and recycle energy.