Get ready for the first flying car to hit the skies.
The Alef Aeronautics Model A has officially become the first flying car to receive accreditation from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which means it's legally allowed to drive on the road and take off into the skies.
The American automaker (carmaker doesn't quite fit) first made headlines in October 2022, shortly after the unveiling of the Model A. Tim Draper, one of Tesla's earliest investors, gave Alef $3 million in seed capital to help it expand, and this latest announcement is the result of that money in action.
Before naysayers start moaning about experimental cars taking off into the skies, possibly getting in the way of actual aircraft, keep two things in mind. First, this is a low-level aircraft, so the chances of it connecting with a plane at 35,000 feet are virtually nil. There's a greater chance of it colliding with a Tesla Model Y on a California highway.
Secondly, the FAA only gave Alef a “Special Airworthiness Certificate,” which limits where the prototypes can fly. Applying a tactic known as common sense, we're guessing this means nowhere near airports, cities, highways, or suburbs. So, basically, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, or New Mexico. Alaska is also an option, but EVs and cold weather do not mix well.
And the Model A is a two-seater electric vehicle with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It has a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles. Unlike most flying cars we've seen in recent years, the Model A doesn't have wings. The body around the swiveling cabin is the wings, as illustrated in the image below. It might be us, but it reminds us of the famous Tie Fighter (shame on you if you don't get the reference).
Alef has already built two working prototypes and is already taking orders for the car/plane.
The Model A's expected price is $300,000 but you can place a pre-order for $150. You can also get in the priority queue for $1,500. Both amounts are fully refundable.
What are the benefits? Well, if you're sick of sitting in traffic, you can always take off and fly home. Since the Model A uses a vertical takeoff and landing system, it doesn't need a runway. Interestingly, Hyundai is working on a similar project, but more on the public transport side of things. Renault also thinks vertical takeoff is the way to go.
Previous reports suggest the Model A should be ready for delivery by 2025, so Alef will likely start its air-based research soon. Will the broad public be open to an idea like this? And if it does get approved, how will safety tests work? The FAA may have opened a giant can of worms, and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
Keyword: Feds Give America's First Flying Car Permission To Fly