Alef Aeronautics Receives Regulatory Approval for Testing its Electric Flying Car
Alef Aeronautics, a California-based startup, has officially received regulatory approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin testing its fully electric flying car. The approval came in the form of a Special Airworthiness Certificate for Alef’s “Model A” vehicle, granting the company legal clearance to take flight.
The Model A flying car, which can take off and land vertically, as well as drive on the road as a low-speed vehicle, is now available for pre-orders starting at $300,000. Alef aims to begin customer deliveries by the end of 2025, as reported by CNBC.
The certification from the FAA marks a significant milestone for Alef. CEO Jim Dukhovny expressed his excitement, stating, “We’re excited to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute.”
Alef has been developing its flying cars since 2015, and it has successfully conducted test drives and flights of its prototype since 2019. The company emerged from stealth mode in 2022 and has garnered the support of prominent venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for his investments in Tesla and SpaceX.
The Model A boasts a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles. As a low-speed vehicle, it meets the regulatory requirement of weighing less than 3,000 pounds and having a maximum speed of 25 mph. The car can accommodate two people comfortably.
In addition to the Model A, Alef has plans for a second flying car model, known as the “Model Z,” scheduled for release in 2035. The Model Z will be a four-person sedan with a price tag of $35,000. It is expected to have a flying range of 300+ miles and a driving range of 200+ miles.
While it remains unclear what altitude Alef’s flying cars can reach, competitors in the industry are striving for ambitious heights. Terrafugia aims for a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet, similar to that of helicopters, while Klein Vision’s AirCar aims for 8,000 feet.
As the electric flying car industry continues to gain momentum, Alef’s achievement highlights the possibility of a future where flying cars become a viable mode of transportation. With significant investment and technological advancements, flying cars may soon become a common sight in the sky.
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