Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro Alef Aeronautics’ Model A, the first FAA-certified electric flying car, has been shown in flight: the eVTOL is available for pre-order for $300,000, with deliveries expected in late 2025
Alef Aeronautics has recorded a significant milestone in the future of mobility. The US-based startup tested its Model A airborne, where it is seen flying towards a fully electric flying car.
New York Post
Founded by Jim Dukhovny, Alef Aeronautics is attempting to change the face of transportation with a car that can travel on the road and fly. The company has been working on this technology for years, aiming to develop a pioneering and sustainable means of transport. The Model A, which was launched in 2022, has a driving range of 220 miles and a flying range of 110 miles, making it one of the most ambitious concepts in the flying car market.
New York Post
The company recently made a return to the public eye by uploading new videos of the Model A in operation, uploaded directly by the CEO.
A car with vertical takeoff and landing
The initial video uploaded by Alef, approximately 40 seconds long, demonstrates the car lifting vertically, flying across a parked car, and landing gently several meters forward. The design of Model A depends on eVTOL technology, i.e., “electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing,” i.e., it can take off and land vertically like a helicopter. This is to make the vehicle accessible even in cities where there is not enough space for takeoff activities.
A second, short video shows the Model A driving on a dirt road, demonstrating that it is suitable as a normal car.
The Model A achieved a milestone in 2022 when it received the first special airworthiness certificate for an eVTOL car from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States’ civil aviation regulatory body. This certification represents a foundational milestone towards the extensive application of such technologies.
Among Alef Aeronautics’ backers is Tim Draper’s venture capital unit, Draper Associates, an early investor in electric car maker Tesla, bringing legitimacy to the venture.
Price and availability: the model a is already available for pre-order
The first eVTOL flying car has already been pre-orderable on Alef Aeronautics’ website for those who are interested in purchasing it. Approximately 3,300 pre-orders have been placed, indicating a high level of interest in the venture.
Model A will cost $300,000. The customer must pay a deposit of $150 for an order, and priority delivery will be an extra premium deposit of $1,500. Production will begin in late 2025.
