The energetic venture, Alef Automotive, operating out of California, has just stepped closer to its ambitious dream as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) provided a green signal for the test phase of its innovative ‘Model A’ – marking a milestone in the progression of flying automobiles. This fully electric aerial vehicle awaits further endorsements from US regulators.
“We’re crafting the ultimate remedy to current-day traffic woes with a marvel that can transition from urban streets to the skies with ease.”
– Excerpt from Alef Aeronautics’ vision statement
Known as Alef Aeronautics, the company assures that ‘Model A’ is built to accommodate one to two travelers, boasting an impressive 200-mile terrestrial range and an additional 110 miles of aerial travel capacity. Featuring vertical lift-off and touchdown capabilities, Alef aims to float this high-flying machine by 2025 with a staggering tag of $300,000.
Origins of the Inaugural Flying Car Prototype
Motivated by the visionary depictions of flying cars in the cinematic classic ‘Back to the Future’, a quartet of enthusiasts, including Constantine Kisly, Oleg Petrov, Jim Dukhovny, and Pavel Markin, embarked on a journey to transform fiction into function, pursuing the FAA’s nod for their electric flying innovation since its conception in 2015.
After the triumph of an automated initial flight on the skeletal Model A in 2018 and unveiling the full-scale prototype a year later, the stamp of FAA’s ‘special airworthiness’ became an instrumental step for Alef in continuing its pioneering expedition.
The FAA’s Endorsement for Alef Model A
While some may misconstrue the FAA’s approval as an absolute clearance, it is, in fact, a specific airworthiness certification designed for the purposes of exhibition, research, and development stages.
The FAA underscored that Alef’s craft isn’t the inaugural type to acquire such a certificate; other enterprises are also in the race with their own versions of all-electric VTOLs (vertical takeoff and landing aircraft).
Despite the competition, Alef positions its Model A as a unique entry, especially since it serves as a conventional vehicle that could snugly fit into typical parking spots.
Furthermore, Alef’s official website denotes that the Model A is designated as a ‘low-speed vehicle’ with a max speed of 25 mph on paved roads, implying that one might choose to soar above if haste is a necessity.
“The FAA’s certification marks a pivotal juncture for us. It heralds a future of eco-conscious and expedited travel for all – each leap in air travel innovation translates to automotive advancements.”
– Statement from Jim Dukhovny, CEO, Alef Automotive
Alef’s Model A, apart from the FAA’s seal and U.S. governmental permissions, will also require the nod from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its terrestrial roadworthiness.
The car manufacturer divulged that it is currently accepting refundable deposits for almost 400 ‘Model A’ flying cars, with a nominal $150 deposit for a general spot or $1,500 for prioritized pre-order privileges.
As electronic vehicles (EVs) continue to advance, it’s only a matter of time before we witness the marrying of vehicular innovation with breathtaking aero-mobility—ushering an era filled with awe and possibilities.
