By Dean Murray
A quirky £236,000 (Nearly $300K) flying car has received legal approval to fly from the US Government.
California company Alef Aeronautics claim the Model A would be able to drive on roads – but take off to avoid traffic jams.
The company announced Tuesday, June 27 they have received a limited FAA Special Airworthiness Certification for the electric vehicle.
An Alef statement explains: “The FAA is actively working on its policies for electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, as well as governing interactions between eVTOLs and ground infrastructure. Alef’s Special Airworthiness Certificate therefore limits the locations and purpose for which Alef is permitted to fly.”
Alef emerged in October 2022 by unveiling its full-sized sports car model along with two working full-size technology demonstrator cars.
They say they have since received strong pre-orders from both individuals and companies.
The company claims the flying car is 100% electric, drivable on public roads and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It would carry one or two occupants.
According to Alef’s website, the Model A is a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) that has legal speed and other limitations in most U.S. states. The assumption is that, if a driver needs a faster route, they would use Alef’s flight capabilities.
After taking off vertically, it can fly above obstacles “until a desired destination is reached”. The driver and the cabin are stabilized by a unique gimbaled rotating cabin design.
Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, comments: “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.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker