Flying electric car: Alef Model A begins test operations at US airports

Alef Aeronautics recently unveiled the Model A, the first flying electric car capable of both road and air travel. According to KTVU Fox 2, the company has signed agreements with Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports to begin testing operations. The FAA granted Special Airworthiness Certification in 2023, officially authorizing test flights.

Technical details

According to Alef Aeronautics, the Model A has a range of up to 320 km (200 miles) on the road and approximately 180 km (110 miles) in the air, and its top speed is 180 km/h (110 mph) in the air and approximately 56 km/h (35 mph) on the road. As a fully electric vehicle, it utilizes components from PUCARA Aero and MYC, which also supply Airbus and Boeing. Vertical takeoff and landing enable it to operate without a runway.

Functionality and legality

Alef will initially test the ultra-lightweight Model Zero version before the commercial Model A goes into production. The vehicle can drive on public roads, but still requires NHTSA approval. The price is around $300,000. Pre-orders are already available online from Alef Aeronautics for $150, with priority delivery for $1,500.

Comparison and outlook

Compared to previous concept vehicles, the Model A demonstrates practical feasibility. According to Alef Aeronautics, over 3,300 pre-orders illustrate the level of interest. In the long term, the flying electric car could change urban transportation by efficiently combining road and airspace.