Alef’s extraordinary flying car has received official approval for launch.
The cutting-edge hybrid vehicle, blending retro aesthetics with futuristic technology, has been granted a Special Airworthiness Certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This certification allows the car to take flight as a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, while also retaining the ability to be driven on the road like a conventional car.
Alef, a California-based company, proudly announces that this is the inaugural instance of a vehicle of such caliber obtaining government certification.
“We’re excited to receive this certification from the FAA,” Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny said in a statement. “It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week.”
Naturally, there are a few important considerations. Firstly, according to the FAA, the certificate has been issued for a preliminary version of the production model, namely the Armada Model Zero, rather than the Model A.
Consequently, the Model A, currently available for pre-sale, must also undergo FAA clearance for flight. Additionally, it must adhere to the safety regulations set by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the granted approval solely permits the aircraft to be utilized for experimental purposes, such as exhibitions, research, and development.
The average individual cannot simply hop into the car for a test drive; it will take at least a couple of years before that becomes possible.
The company must patiently await FAA certification for the commercial use of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) before the Model A can be sold, flown, or driven.
In addition to Model A, the FAA has granted approvals to at least two similar models: Terrafugia’s Transition and Samson Sky’s Switchblade. However, unlike the Model A, these designs are not fully electric.
Furthermore, the two fixed-wing crafts are limited to operating in and out of airports. In contrast, the Model A boasts the capability of executing vertical takeoffs and landings in various locations.
Additionally, the fully electric aircraft will have an approximate range of 200 miles on the road and 110 miles in the air. It will achieve a top speed of approximately 35 mph and accommodate two passengers.
Alef has proudly announced that it has received significant pre-orders from individuals and companies for the $300,000 Model A. The company anticipates that initial deliveries will occur in the fourth quarter of 2025.
