The landscape of urban air mobility took a significant leap forward at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where South Korea’s Sambo Motors Group unveiled the HAM III-2, the world’s first hybrid-powered air taxi. This revolutionary aircraft combines hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology in a novel way, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable alternative for short-haul flights.

The unveiling marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, setting a new benchmark for the future of urban and intercity air transport.

The HAM III-2 is a technological leap over its predecessor, the HAM III-1, boasting a nine-metre wingspan, 4.5-metre height, and a total weight of 850 kilograms. Designed primarily as a two-seater air taxi, the vehicle is intended for military, commercial, and courier applications, with long-term ambitions to enter the urban taxi and regional transport sectors.

Hybrid propulsion: A dual-energy approach to sustainable flight

One of the most innovative aspects of the HAM III-2 is its unique hybrid propulsion system. Unlike conventional electric air taxis, which rely solely on batteries, this vehicle employs a dual-energy model:

1. Battery-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL): During takeoff and landing, the aircraft operates exclusively on battery power, ensuring a quieter, zero-emission lift-off that reduces noise pollution in urban areas.

2. Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion at cruising altitude: Once airborne, the system transitions to hydrogen fuel cells, significantly reducing battery drain and extending operational range.

This hybridization addresses a fundamental challenge in eVTOL development: the weight-to-energy ratio. Batteries alone struggle to provide sufficient range for commercial viability due to their high weight. Hydrogen fuel cells, by contrast, deliver greater energy density, offering increased flight endurance and reduced overall weight compared to battery-only solutions.

Flight capabilities

The HAM III-2 operates with a four-propeller VTOL system for vertical lift and two additional rear-facing propellers for forward propulsion. It achieves:

• A top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph)

• A maximum range of 100 kilometers (62 miles)

• A total flight time of 40 minutes per charge

These performance metrics position the HAM III-2 as an ideal solution for short-haul urban and intercity travel, helping to alleviate congestion in densely populated areas while maintaining rapid deployment capabilities.

Real-world testing and regulatory challenges

To bring the HAM III-2 to market, Sambo Motors has announced an extensive testing program in the United States, commencing in early 2025. Testing will focus on assessing the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the hydrogen fuel cell system under various weather conditions, particularly in desert environments where extreme temperatures can challenge fuel cell performance.

Key testing objectives:

• Validation of hybrid propulsion: Ensuring seamless transition between battery-powered VTOL and hydrogen-powered cruising

• Flight safety assessments: Conducting controlled takeoffs, landings, and emergency descent procedures

• Weather resilience trials: Evaluating aircraft performance under extreme heat, cold, and high winds

Sambo Motors is motivated to prove the viability of its hydrogen-based flight technology not just for technical advancements, but also to pave the way for regulatory approvals. South Korea currently lacks a comprehensive legal framework for hydrogen-powered aerial vehicles. By successfully completing U.S. testing, the company hopes to establish a precedent for international regulation, accelerating domestic acceptance and integration.

Future prospects and market impact

While the first live flight is still pending, Sambo Motors is aiming for full-scale flight demonstrations by the end of 2025, bringing the HAM III-2 one step closer to commercial deployment. The company believes its hybrid eVTOL design will offer significant advantages over purely battery-powered competitors, particularly in terms of extended range, faster refueling, and lower total energy costs.

Why hybrid hydrogen eVTOLs matter

The rise of hydrogen-powered aviation is gaining traction globally. Unlike traditional lithium-ion battery systems, hydrogen fuel cells provide:

✔ Faster refueling times (minutes instead of hours required for battery charging)
✔ Lighter energy storage, enabling increased payload and longer operational range
✔ Lower long-term costs due to the declining price of green hydrogen production
✔ Reduced environmental impact, as hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapor

Competing developments

The eVTOL industry is experiencing a surge in innovation, with major players such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Lilium developing fully electric aircraft. However, these models still face challenges related to battery degradation and limited range. If Sambo Motors’ hybrid approach proves successful, it could shift the industry’s direction toward hydrogen integration, sparking wider adoption of dual-energy propulsion systems.

The unveiling of the HAM III-2 at CES 2025 marks a milestone in the evolution of urban air mobility. By combining the benefits of battery-electric takeoff with hydrogen-powered cruising, Sambo Motors Group has introduced an innovative solution that tackles some of the most pressing challenges in eVTOL technology: range limitations, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.

As real-world testing begins and regulatory frameworks evolve, hybrid hydrogen-electric air taxis may soon transition from prototypes to commercial reality, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient means of urban transportation.

If successful, the HAM III-2 could redefine the future of airborne mobility, demonstrating that the fusion of hydrogen and electric power is the key to unlocking the full potential of next-generation air transport.