As wildfires grow more devastating in both frequency and intensity, one global automotive leader is answering the call to action—not just on the roads, but in the forests. Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its visionary IONIQ 9 Seed Ball Drone Station, a state-of-the-art electric vehicle solution designed to reforest and rehabilitate areas ravaged by wildfires. This pioneering initiative is the latest evolution of Hyundai's commitment to sustainability and social impact, combining electric mobility, drone technology, and environmental stewardship in one powerful package.

A Mobile Powerhouse for Forest Restoration

Based on Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, this next-generation drone station is purpose-built for eco-rescue missions. Created in collaboration with Guru E&T, a startup specializing in reforestation technology, the station transforms the SUV into a fully integrated mobile command center for forest restoration teams.

The vehicle features an advanced drone takeoff and landing platform housed in its trunk, while its vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology autonomously powers drone operations—making it a self-sufficient unit capable of deploying from anywhere. The IONIQ 9 also boasts off-road capabilities, enabling it to reach remote, difficult-to-access terrain where human reforestation efforts would otherwise be impossible.

Airborne Tree Planting with Seed Ball Drones

At the heart of this eco-innovation lies its large-capacity seed ball drone, capable of dispersing thousands of clay-based seed balls packed with native seeds, nutrients, and soil. From the air, this drone drops the seed balls across vast wildfire-scarred landscapes, enabling rapid and large-scale reforestation.

This method is both low-impact and highly effective, minimizing disruption to recovering ecosystems while speeding up the natural restoration cycle. And with zero tailpipe emissions, low noise, and low vibration levels, the IONIQ 9 Drone Station remains respectful of the delicate environments it enters.

Smart Features for Smarter Sustainability

Inside, the IONIQ 9 has been reimagined into a mobile operations hub, outfitted with a swivel seat, dual-monitor control center, and a dedicated drone operations PC. These features allow forestry professionals to manage missions in real time, conduct detailed assessments, and fine-tune drone deployments without leaving the vehicle—enhancing both precision and productivity in the field.

This innovation pairs seamlessly with Hyundai’s earlier release: the IONIQ 5 Monitoring Drone Station, launched in 2023. While the IONIQ 5 monitors forest health and gathers post-wildfire data, the IONIQ 9 now joins the mission to actively restore these environments, starting with Uljin, a coastal region in South Korea devastated by wildfires in 2022.

A Global Mission with Local Impact

This ambitious project is part of Hyundai’s long-standing Smart Forest Restoration Program, developed through a five-year partnership with the Korea National Arboreta and Gardens Institute, a division of the Korea Forest Service, and Tree Planet, a social venture focused on global reforestation.

The restoration work in Uljin is also integrated into Hyundai’s global IONIQ Forest initiative, launched in 2016. With a presence in 13 countries, including the United States, Brazil, India, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic, the IONIQ Forest engages communities and customers in themed forest-building projects that tackle climate and social challenges.

Hyundai aims to expand the IONIQ drone station fleet worldwide, scaling this innovative model for reforestation in wildfire-prone regions across the globe, including North America.

Houston’s Green Future: A Local Reflection

For readers in Houston—where rising temperatures and urban development raise urgent environmental concerns—Hyundai's IONIQ 9 Seed Ball Drone Station sets a bold example of how technology, sustainability, and community involvement can converge to shape a greener future. It’s not just about restoring forests—it’s about restoring hope and redefining what mobility can do for the planet.