(Scypre.com) – A Californian company is now accepting preorders for its innovative flying electric car. According to a press release, Alef Aeronautics has obtained a Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), granting permission for road and air testing of the vehicle.
Alef’s website describes the car as a fully-electric model that can also be upgraded to a hydrogen option for a higher price. This low-speed vehicle has a range of 200 miles on public roads and is designed to fit into a regular garage. Additionally, it can vertically take off and cover a flying range of 110 miles.
Alef promotes their “Model A” car as capable of navigating above obstacles until reaching the desired destination. The company’s San Mateo-based team has developed a unique gimbaled rotating cabin design to stabilize both the driver and the cabin. They highlight the car’s ability to avoid traffic and offer a cinematic 180 plus degree view for a safe and enjoyable flight experience.
Interested customers can place preorders for this two-seater vehicle, which is projected to be priced at around $300,000. Alef’s CEO, Jim Dukhovny, expressed his excitement about the FAA certification, emphasizing their commitment to providing an environmentally friendly and time-efficient commuting option. The company expects their flying car to save individuals and businesses significant hours every week.
The FAA spokesperson confirmed that a Special Airworthiness Certificate was issued for Alef’s Armada Model Zero aircraft on June 12, 2023.
They clarified that this certificate permits limited usage, including exhibition and research and development, and highlighted that this is not the first instance of such a certificate being issued for this type of aircraft. Alef initially unveiled their car in October of the previous year and has already received a substantial number of preorders from individuals and businesses.
Alef disclosed that the FAA is currently working on policies related to the takeoff and landing of electric vehicles. The company’s co-founders, Jim Dukhovny, Constantine Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov, were inspired to create a flying car in 2015 after Dukhovny mentioned the possibility during a Science Fiction lecture.
Acknowledging the technical complexity of the task, the four co-founders met at a café and embarked on the design journey.
Dukhovny expressed his belief that this certification brings them closer to providing a faster and environmentally friendly commute, enabling significant time savings for both individuals and companies. He described it as a small step for planes and a giant leap for cars.