Hyundai's forthcoming Ioniq 9 electric SUV is employing drones for reforestation efforts
In a groundbreaking innovation, Hyundai Motor Company has developed a custom version of its Ioniq 9 electric SUV, dubbed the Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station, to support reforestation efforts following wildfires. This long-term initiative, part of Hyundai's Ioniq Forest project launched in 2016, is currently active in 13 countries, including the United States and South Korea.
The Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station is equipped with a built-in drone launch and landing pad, a mobile drone control station, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. These features enable the vehicle to supply power for drone charging and operations in remote areas without external electricity. The spacious interior of the flagship SUV has been transformed to host a swivel seat, dual monitors, and a dedicated drone operation PC.
The drone, when charged, can be flown to locations that would be difficult to access, dispersing seed balls while in the air. These seed balls, clay spheres filled with soil, organic matter, and seeds, aid in regenerating vegetation in hard-to-reach areas after wildfires. The drone's ability to disperse a wide number of seed balls rapidly across affected areas potentially speeds up reforesting efforts.
The custom Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station serves as a base for accessing remote areas of South Korea's East Coast, such as the Uljin region, where it is currently active. This project is part of Hyundai's forestry schemes in 13 different countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, and the United States. The partnership with the Korea National Arboreta and Gardens Institute, established in 2024, led to the building of the bespoke Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station.
Hyundai plans to roll-out its Ioniq-based drone stations to other forest projects in the near future, combining sustainable electric mobility with environmental stewardship through advanced, mobile seed bombing drone stations. The Ioniq Forest project, a global scheme launched in 2016, aims to support global reforestation efforts, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all.
- The Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station, a custom version of Hyundai's Ioniq 9 electric SUV, is equipped with features that support reforestation, such as a drone launch and landing pad, mobile drone control, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.
- The spacious interior of this flagship SUV has been transformed to host a swivel seat, dual monitors, and a dedicated drone operation PC, providing an ideal base for drone operations.
- The drone, when charged, can be flown to hard-to-reach areas, dispersing seed balls that aid in regenerating vegetation after wildfires.
- The Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station is currently active in South Korea's East Coast, particularly in the Uljin region, as part of Hyundai's forestry schemes in 13 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, and the United States.
- Hyundai plans to expand its Ioniq-based drone stations to other forest projects, combining sustainable electric mobility with environmental stewardship through advanced, mobile seed bombing drone stations.
- The Ioniq Forest project, a global scheme launched in 2016, aims to support global reforestation efforts, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all, amid advancements in both motoring and environmental-science technology.
