- Kyle Chua
Flying Electric Car Receives Approval for Test Flights
Updated: Dec 19, 2023
The world's first fully electric flying car has received regulatory approval to take to the skies.
Alef Aeronautics announced in a press release that it has been granted Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. for the Model A, marking the first such approval for a flying electric car.
The certification allows the SpaceX-backed startup to start conducting test flights ahead of the car's targeted launch in 2025.
"It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week," said Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny. "This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars."
Since there's never been a car of its kind, the FAA has reportedly set limits to the location and the purpose for which the Model A is permitted to fly. The startup is also expected to escalate to regulators any malfunctions, failures or defects it observes during testing.
"The FAA is actively working on its policies for electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, as well as governing interactions between eVTOLs and ground infrastructure," added Alef in a statement.
The San Mateo, California-based automaker touts that the Model A drives like existing cars in the market today but has vertical take-off capabilities, enabling drivers to take flight and reach their destinations faster. The first of its kind car can seat up to two people, and has a road range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles in a single charge. It's also being designed to fit existing infrastructure for driving or parking.
Those interested in purchasing the Model A can already make a US$150 deposit to join the general queue. Alternatively, they can also cough up US$1,500 to enjoy priority access to units once deliveries commence.
Alef said in January that, as of the last three months of 2022, 440 have paid deposits.
If the test flights are successful, the automaker could start commercial operations and production of the Model A in 2025, with the first units shipping in the same year.
Alef Aeronautics announced that it has been granted Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. for the Model A, the world's first fully electric flying car.
The certification allows the SpaceX-backed startup to start conducting test flights ahead of the car's targeted launch in 2025.
The Model A drives like existing cars in the market today but has vertical take-off capabilities, enabling drivers to take flight and reach their destinations faster.
Those interested in purchasing the Model A can already make a US$150 deposit to join the general queue or pay US$1,500 to enjoy priority access once units are available.