We were supposed to have flying cars a long time ago – that is, if you go by many popular Hollywood blockbuster movies. However, such a time looks to be on the horizon as the Californian startup called Alef Aeronautics has recently gained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for conducting test flights of their flying electric vehicle. The company revealed that preorders for their Model A flying car have surpassed $250 million since October, with a majority of orders coming from individual customers. In addition to individual orders, Alef has also secured several business-to-business agreements, although specific figures were not disclosed.
At least 834 individual cars have been preordered, according to estimates, but Alef did not provide exact numbers. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the company reported 440 preorders, including one from a large Hong Kong-based aviation technology company. The Model A was made available for pre-sale in October, allowing buyers to reserve a vehicle by placing a $150 deposit, or a $1,500 deposit to join the priority queue. Alef aims to deliver the first vehicles by the final quarter of 2025.
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Last week, Alef announced that it had received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA. This certification, while allowing test flights, imposes strict limitations on the car’s authorized locations and purposes of operation. Alef clarified that the certification primarily serves research and development as well as exhibition purposes, emphasizing that a separate certification for driving is required.
The Model A, fully powered by electricity, boasts a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles. Alef emphasizes that the vehicle has been designed to seamlessly integrate into existing urban driving and parking infrastructure. The company envisions its creation as a solution to the challenges posed by modern congestion, with the ability to drive on streets, vertically take off when necessary, and fly above traffic.
Alef Aeronautics’ innovative flying car has garnered significant attention, with substantial preorders and the recent FAA approval for test flights. The company’s vision of combining road and air travel opens up possibilities for future transportation, while the impressive preorder amount signals strong market interest in this novel concept.
