The world’s first flying car has received legal approval to fly from the US government. California-based Alef Aeronautics’s flying car is 100% electric, drivable on roads, and equipped with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities to accommodate one or two occupants comfortably. This innovative vehicle is positioned to revolutionize personal transportation and transform our commute.
According to the company’s website, this unique car can be driven on regular urban and rural roadways, fits into a standard driving lane, and is designed to be parked in a garage. The company is accepting pre-orders for the Model a flying car, with deliveries slated to begin by the end of 2025.
In addition to the standard features of a traditional car, the Alef flying car also has eight propellers that are used to lift the vehicle into the air when necessary. According to the company, this allows the car to avoid stalled traffic and take flight over busy highways. The flying car’s navigation system will assist drivers in finding the most efficient route and avoid heavy traffic if possible, saving up to 30 minutes in rush hour, Alef says.
The FAA has been actively working on its policies for electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, as well as governing interactions between such aircraft and ground infrastructure, Aviation law firm Aero Law Center notes. Alef’s Special Airworthiness Certification is only valid for pleasure and personal use and prohibits transporting passengers for hire, but the move marks a significant milestone for the company.
As a result, the company can operate its prototypes and begin testing their functionality with actual human users. “To have a car like this that can save people time on their commutes is huge, and we’re excited to be a part of making it a reality,” the company’s CEO Jim Dukhovny said in a statement.
Several other companies and startups are working on bringing flying cars to market, including XPeng’s Aero HT, which is the world’s first crewed eVTOL to receive a flight permit in China. Alef has a lot of competition, but the company claims its unique design and features set it apart from its rivals.
While the flying car may look like something from a sci-fi movie, it is being developed for real life. Alef Aeronautics says it will be the first vehicle to offer road and air travel, allowing people to skip traffic and bypass accidents by flying over them.
The car, which costs around $300,000, will be able to drive up to 25 miles per hour on the road and reach a maximum altitude of 3500 feet, according to the company’s website. It can be driven in any direction, including forward, backward, left, right, up, down, and at an angle. The vehicle will also be able to navigate any weather conditions, including fog, rain, snow, and strong winds. It can also avoid obstacles, such as trees and buildings, by using its autopilot system.