The electric flying car from a startup backed by SpaceX has just been certified for legal flight testing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a special airworthiness certificate for a $300,000 electric flying car.
Alef Model S, the first legally certified electric flying car in the U.S. (Photo: Alef Aeronautics).
Alef Aeronautics, an automobile manufacturer based in California, announced in a press release on June 28 that it has received certification for its Model A line, marking the first flying car to receive this type of certification in U.S. history.
The concept of flying cars originated in 2015. By 2016, the company had created its first small-scale prototype to meet various requirements: it could be driven like a real car, had vertical takeoff capabilities, and was priced reasonably.
“The vehicle brings us closer to providing people with an environmentally friendly means of transport that is faster, saving time for individuals and companies. This is a giant leap for the flying car industry,” said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef Aeronautics.
Simulation image of Alef Model S flying capabilities. (Photo: Alef Aeronautics).
Due to current limitations of flying cars, Alef stated that the FAA certification will restrict the locations and purposes of the testing.
The company aims to produce the first flying car that can both drive on roads and take off vertically. The product is designed to suit urban infrastructure in the U.S. for easy driving and parking.
The vehicle can take off vertically and carry a maximum of 2 people. It is expected to have a driving range of 322 km and a flying range of 177 km.
Alef is selling the Model A for $300,000, with customers able to place a deposit of $150 or $1,500 for priority.
The company reported that in January, approximately 440 people had paid deposits in the last three months of the previous year. In December 2022, Dukhovny told CNBC Make It that production of the Model A would begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with deliveries starting shortly thereafter.
In addition to the Model A, Alef is also developing new flying car models. Notably, there is a 4-seat sedan named Model Z, which is expected to launch in 2035. This product will have a flying range of 483 km and a driving range of 354 km.
