A US startup, Alef Aeronautics, has made history by unveiling what it calls the world’s first flying car. The company recently released a video showcasing its Model Zero prototype driving on a public road in California before taking off vertically, soaring over a parked car.
Jim Dukhovny, Alef Aeronautics’ CEO, expressed his excitement about the milestone. “This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment,” Dukhovny said.
He even compared the moment to the Wright Brothers’ famous Kitty Hawk flight, adding, “We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible.”
Unlike many other “flying car” concepts, which resemble oversized drones or small planes with foldable wings, Alef’s Model Zero maintains a more traditional car-like design. The rotor blades are cleverly hidden within the car’s chassis, allowing it to blend in with normal road vehicles until it takes off.
The Model Zero is fully electric, aligning with the global shift toward sustainable transportation. It boasts a driving range of 320 kilometres (around 200 miles) and a flight range of 160 kilometres (approximately 100 miles). This dual capability allows users to drive on regular roads and bypass traffic by taking to the skies when needed.
Alef Aeronautics, founded in 2015, has been working on this futuristic technology for nearly a decade. The company was established the same year flying cars were depicted in the iconic sci-fi movie ‘Back to the Future Part II.’ The startup’s ultimate goal is to make flying cars affordable, moving beyond luxury models for the rich.
Alef is already preparing for the next step with its upcoming Model A, which has attracted significant attention. The company opened pre-orders for the Model A in October 2022, and the response was overwhelming.
By the end of the year, Alef had secured 440 reservations, and as of last summer, pre-orders had exceeded 2,500, potentially generating $750 million in revenue once the vehicles are delivered.
The Model A, priced at around $300,000 (approximately £237,000), offers both driving and vertical takeoff capabilities. However, Alef is also planning a more affordable model, the Model Z, which is expected to cost around $35,000 and could hit the market by 2035.
Alef has partnered with PUCARA Aero and MYC, companies known for manufacturing aviation-grade parts for major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. This partnership ensures that Alef’s flying cars meet high safety and quality standards, complying with aviation regulations set by authorities such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Alef became the first company to secure pre-orders for a flying car through a car dealership, further solidifying its place at the intersection of automotive and aviation technology. The Model A also received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA, allowing it to undergo test flights.
The recently released video of the Model Zero flying over a parked car has captured global attention. The test flight took place on a closed-off public street in California, ensuring safety while showcasing the car’s ability to take off vertically without the need for a runway. It’s a scene straight out of a science fiction movie — but this time, it’s real.
Jim Dukhovny emphasized Alef’s vision of solving modern traffic congestion by creating vehicles that fit into regular driving lanes, comply with traffic rules, and park in standard garages. “Designed to drive on the street, take off vertically when needed, and fly overhead above traffic, we’re building the solution to the issues of modern congestion,” reads a statement on the company’s website.
With the Model A set to enter production later this year, Alef is making rapid progress. The company plans to start manufacturing by the fourth quarter of 2025, with deliveries expected soon after. As for the Model Z, it promises a more affordable option for those dreaming of personal flying cars.
Alef Aeronautics is not just chasing a science fiction dream — it’s turning it into reality. With innovative designs, strong investor support, and strategic manufacturing partnerships, Alef is leading the way in the electric flying car revolution.
The world is watching in awe as the Model Zero soared over a car in California, and with production plans moving forward, the era of personal flying vehicles might be closer than we ever imagined.
