February 23, 2025 – Alef Aeronautics, an American electric flying car company, has recently accomplished flight tests of its Model A prototype in a city setting.
According to the company’s official website, the Model A, priced at $300,000, has already garnered 3,300 orders, with the first batch set for delivery by the end of the year.
The Model A prototype stands apart from conventional flying cars with its unique design. Retaining the essence of a traditional car, it features four wheels, a sleek black exterior, and no exposed propellers, capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
A test video released by Alef Aeronautics showcases the Model A driving off a public street in California, lifting off to a height of less than 5 meters, and smoothly landing in front of an obstacle car, continuing its journey on the road. However, the vehicle exhibited some instability during the takeoff and landing phases.
Reportedly, the Model A can fly up to 177 kilometers and drive up to 322 kilometers on a full charge, making it a versatile option for bypassing unexpected roadblocks like accidents. For instance, if a truck accident blocks a highway, the Model A can simply take flight, fly over the truck, and land to continue the journey uninterrupted.
Interestingly, SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, is an investor in Alef Aeronautics, leading some to jokingly refer to the Model A as “Musk’s new car.”
Notwithstanding, Musk himself has publicly expressed skepticism about flying cars, citing concerns such as noise, wind blast, and the potential risk of falling, especially in densely populated areas. He warns, “If parts fall off or it crashes into a building, there could be trouble. Plus, flying transport often shuts down in bad weather. Underground tunnels, on the other hand, don’t face these issues.”
