Alef's Electric Flying Car Soars into History
The Alef electric flying car vehicle has made history by being the first to get governmental sanction for aerial operations.
The Alef electric flying car vehicle has made history by being the first to get governmental sanction for aerial operations. They received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, marking the first time a flying vehicle has received legal approval to fly from the US Government.
"We're excited to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week. This is a one small step for planes, one giant step for cars," said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef.
The FAA is currently working on policies for electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, as well as governing interactions between eVTOLs and ground infrastructure.
Alef has started taking deposits for pre-orders for its "Model A" car for $300,000 on their website: here.
The public can anticipate models to available by 2025.
They also plan on releasing a Model Z that is projected to be more affordable with a price tag of around $35,000 and hold four to six occupants.
How does Alef's Flying Car Work?
Equipped with eight propellers nestled within a structure about the size of a large car, is engineered to ascend vertically.
The Alef Model A's body is capped with a mesh top and can accommodate one or two passengers in its spherical compartments. This model is designed to carry around 200 pounds, encompassing both passenger and luggage.
The open mesh on the top surface of the Alef Model A allows for air circulation through the vehicle. It's structure incorporates four propellers on each side of the passenger compartment within the vehicle's body.
This final feature, however, sets it apart from what most people think of when they think of flying cars. The transition from vertical to horizontal flight.
The vehicle's body performs a 90-degree rotation along its longitudinal axis. During this spin, one wing elevates while the other lowers on opposite sides of the body, an essential aspect of its flight dynamics.