Alef Aeronautics Debuts a Flying Car That Can Actually Fly. The Problem: It’s More Like a Drone Than an Actual Car

For years, society has dreamed of flying cars. Films like The Fifth Element, Blade Runner 2049, and Total Recall have portrayed a future where air traffic eases congestion on the streets and revolutionizes urban mobility. However, numerous challenges remain unsolved in real life. Actual flying cars have yet to hit the market, although some companies claim they’ll change the game.

Alef Aeronautics is working on what it claims to be the world’s first real flying car. The company recently showcased its prototype in action. In a video shared by CNBC, the vehicle takes off over an SUV and lands directly in front of it. Science fiction may be closer to reality than ever.

However, the demo has raised more questions than it answered. The video reveals one clear truth. Alef’s flying car looks more like a car-shaped electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle than the hover cars depicted in films.

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Alef Aeronautics’ Flying Car

The vehicle, called Model A, is designed to be a low-speed electric vehicle (similar to golf carts) limited to a maximum speed of 25 mph in the U.S. and Canada. It offers a driving range of around 200 miles and a flying range of about 110 miles.

However, information regarding its passenger capacity and amenities remains unclear. Alef Aeronautics says it’s limiting information to protect its intellectual property. During the demo, the company also restricted access to the vehicle. Media reports also indicate that journalists didn’t see anyone entering or exiting it.

While further development seems necessary, the startup claims to have received more than 3,200 orders and expects to begin production of the Model A by the end of this year or early 2026.

According to the company’s website, the flying car will cost around $299,999. For comparison, this price is higher than that of a Tesla Model S or a Ferrari Roma Spider. For those seeking a truly flying vehicle, a helicopter like the Robinson R22 Beta IIcosts about $350,000. Additionally, Chinese company Xpeng AeroHT is developing a hybrid concept: a car that conceals an eVTOL aircraft in its trunk.

Founded in 2015, Alef Aeronautics started with a simple sketch on a napkin. By the following year, the company had created a subscale prototype. It continued to advance through wind tunnel testing and computer simulations, eventually achieving its first full-size prototype flight in 2019. More recently, Alef Aeronautics signed agreements with aeronautical manufacturer PUCARA Aero and aeronautical producer MYC.

Images | Alef Aeronautics

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