Seoul: Hyundai Motor Co. announced the development of a special drone-based forest restoration project vehicle, utilizing its flagship Ioniq 9 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). This initiative is part of the company's efforts to support forest recovery in regions of South Korea affected by wildfires.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the newly introduced Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station will initially be deployed in Uljin, a coastal county in the eastern region that suffered severe damage during massive wildfires in 2022. The vehicle is equipped with a large drone capable of dispersing seed balls, which are clay spheres filled with soil, organic material, and native seeds. This aerial planting method allows for scalable and eco-friendly restoration with minimal ecological disruption.

The SUV's rear cabin has been transformed into a mobile control center, featuring swivel seating, dual monitors, and a dedicated drone control computer. This setup enables precise coordination of drone operations in the field. Hyundai developed the vehicle in collaboration with Guru E and T, a startup specializing in forest recovery technologies. The vehicle also boasts an integrated drone takeoff and landing platform, advanced control systems, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) power supply, allowing drones to operate independently in remote areas.

This project is part of Hyundai's Smart Forest Restoration Program, a long-term environmental initiative developed in partnership with the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute and Tree Planet, a tree-planting social venture. Hyundai emphasized that the drone station's off-road capabilities enable it to reach fire-damaged forests that are otherwise difficult to access, thus accelerating reforestation efforts along the eastern coast.

"The Ioniq 9 Seed Ball Drone Station expands our capabilities beyond monitoring to include full-scale ecological recovery," the company stated. "This initiative highlights Hyundai's commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship."