Alef Aeronautics has successfully tested its flying car, the Alef Model A, which can drive like a regular vehicle and take off vertically thanks to its propellers. Priced at Rs 2.5 crore ($300,000), the vehicle can travel 354 km on the road and 177 km in the air on a single charge. Comparisons have been made to the Wright Brothers’ first flight. With 3,300 pre-orders, the company aims for production by early 2026 and plans to launch the four-person Alef Model Z by 2035. The innovative vehicle is intended to alleviate traffic congestion in urban environments.
A groundbreaking vehicle, praised as the solution to winding traffic congestion, has achieved its inaugural flight. Alef Aeronautics’ Rs 2.5 crore ($300,000) vehicle can be navigated like a standard car on city streets, yet it features propellers in both the front and rear, enabling it to take off at any moment. The US-based manufacturer showcased the first video of the vehicle ascending into the air, resembling something out of a science fiction film.
Utilizing distributed electric propulsion and a mesh layer over the propeller blades, the car was able to lift off the ground. According to a report from New York Post, the company employed a prototype for this trial, which was a lightweight iteration of the Alef Model Zero.
Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, compared the milestone to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk footage from 1903, stating: “This drive and flight test signifies a crucial proof of technology in a real-world urban setting.”
⚡️The pioneering electric car flight has been conducted by the American firm Alef Aeronautics👀
The video demonstrates the Model A electric vehicle maneuvering on the road before soaring above another car. The car can drive 354 km and fly 177 km on a single charge.… pic.twitter.com/MrzHzzkwjK
— 🌚 MatTrang 🌝 (@MatTrang911) February 21, 2025
Social media reactions
As the footage of the car’s takeoff and ascension over another vehicle gained traction, many social media users expressed both amusement and skepticism regarding the commercial viability of the project.
“Incredible. This is precisely how I envisioned flying cars would look when I was four,” remarked one user, while another commented: “I can only imagine the energy needed to lift this off the ground lol I need to learn about its propulsion system.”
A third user quipped: “I’m uncertain whether parallel parking would be simpler or a nightmare.”
ALEF’S FLYING CAR MOVES CLOSER TO REALITY WITH SUCCESSFUL TESTS
Based in California, startup Alef Aeronautics is forging ahead with its Model A flying car, targeting production by early 2026.
The vehicle, capable of both driving and vertical takeoff, is undergoing flight… pic.twitter.com/laQQi7Y9xu
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2025
Commercial prospects
In terms of commercial endeavors, Alef aims to introduce a two-seater Alef Model A flying car with a flight range of 110 miles and a driving range of 200 miles. Additionally, the vehicle is expected to feature autopilot capabilities. The company has reportedly amassed 3,300 pre-orders thus far.
Looking ahead to 2035, Alef plans to launch an upgraded model named the Alef Model Z, which will accommodate four passengers and provide a flying range of 200 miles alongside a driving range of 400 miles.