According to Alef Automotive, the Model A is a vehicle/aircraft hybrid designed to operate both in the air and on public roads. What sets it apart is its ability to function like a conventional car, including parking in standard parking spaces. The vehicle is expected to accommodate one or two occupants and boasts an impressive road-range of 200 miles, along with a flying range of 110 miles.
With an anticipated price tag of $300,000 per unit, Alef Automotive aims to begin deliveries by the end of 2025. The FAA's certification comes in the form of a special airworthiness certificate, allowing the company to conduct limited activities such as exhibition and research and development.
It's worth noting that while Alef Automotive is not the first to receive such certification for a flying vehicle, their Model A stands out due to its unique road capabilities. The company is positioning the Model A as a solution for eco-friendly and time-efficient commuting, potentially saving individuals and businesses valuable hours each week.
To comply with road regulations, the Model A is classified as a "low-speed vehicle," restricting its maximum speed on paved roads to approximately 25 miles per hour. Alef Automotive emphasizes that when drivers require faster routes, they can utilize the vehicle's flight capabilities.
However, it's important to mention that before the Model A can hit the roads, it still requires approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Alef Automotive is actively working on securing this approval to ensure compliance with road safety standards.
The development of the Model A has been in progress since 2015 when a group of friends inspired by the "Back to the Future" movies, which famously featured flying cars, embarked on the journey to bring this concept to life. After conducting successful test flights of both a skeleton version in 2018 and a full-scale prototype the following year, Alef Automotive sought the FAA's special airworthiness certificate to continue their research and development efforts.
To demonstrate the demand and interest in their flying car, Alef Automotive has already received refundable pre-orders for over 400 vehicles, with customers paying $150 to join the general queue or $1,500 for priority access.
The future of transportation is rapidly evolving, and Alef Automotive's Model A is at the forefront of this innovation. As the FAA approves its testing, we eagerly anticipate the day when these futuristic flying cars become a common sight in our skies and on our roads.