The concept of flying cars has long been a staple of science fiction, but Alef Aeronautics is bringing this vision to life. The company is currently building pre-production models of its ‘Model A’ electric flying car, which it claims is the ‘first true flying car.’ This innovative vehicle is 100% electric and promises to use less energy than a Tesla or any other EV.
Development and Pre-Orders
Based in San Mateo, Alef Aeronautics has been developing flying cars for about a decade. The company unveiled its first Model A prototype in October 2022, boasting a range of up to 220 miles with a 110-mile flight range. Following the unveiling, pre-orders commenced, and by the end of 2022, the company had secured 440 reservations. As of the latest update, Alef Aeronautics has garnered over 3,400 pre-orders, valued at approximately $1 billion.
The pre-orders include both businesses and individuals, with the company noting that it became the first to sell a modern aircraft through a car dealership. Customers can reserve a spot in the ‘regular’ queue for $150 or opt for the ‘priority’ waiting list at $1,500. Alef Aeronautics has commenced pre-production at its Silicon Valley facility and anticipates starting customer deliveries soon.
Specifications and Features
Alef describes the Model A as the first road-legal passenger car capable of taking off and landing vertically. The company claims that, on average, its flying car uses less energy per trip than a Tesla or any other EV. Classified as an ‘ultralight’ vehicle, the Model A doesn’t require a certification to fly legally on roads, though it comes with certain restrictions, such as daytime flying only and limited flying zones. Notably, ultralight vehicles are prohibited from flying over densely populated areas.
The Model A starts at a price point of $300,000. However, Alef Aeronautics assures that costs are expected to ‘drop down drastically’ over time, potentially falling below the price levels of a Toyota Corolla or Ford Focus. The high initial production costs are attributed to the ‘hand-made in-house level’ of manufacturing. To address this, the company has secured a mass manufacturing agreement with PUCARA Aero and MYC for aviation-grade parts.
Future Developments
Alef Aeronautics is already working on its second flying car model, the Model Z, expected to be priced around $35,000 with a projected launch in 2035. The company recently implemented a ‘major technical update’ to its flying cars, with further details to be announced soon.
As Alef Aeronautics continues to innovate and push the boundaries of electric flight, the future of transportation looks increasingly exciting. With its Model A flying car, the company is set to make a significant impact in the EV and aviation industries.
