Alef Aeronautics, a pioneering Silicon Valley startup supported by SpaceX, has announced a groundbreaking milestone: a staggering 2,850 pre-orders for its innovative flying cars, priced at $300,000 each. With a pre-order backlog totaling over $850 million, Alef Aeronautics is poised to revolutionize personal transportation.
The flagship Model A, weighing in at 850 pounds and boasting seating for two, represents a leap forward in electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show last year, this cutting-edge vehicle promises speeds of up to 110 miles per hour in the air and 35 miles per hour on the ground. To secure a spot in line, customers need only submit a fully refundable $150 deposit.
Following the receipt of a Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year, Alef Aeronautics is on track to launch the first prototypes into the skies as early as next year. However, approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still pending before the Model A can navigate city roads.
As excitement builds for the future of urban air mobility, questions linger about the practical implementation of flying cars within city landscapes. While the FAA has outlined a vision for “air taxis” operating between vertiports in city centers and airports, regulatory frameworks governing urban flight paths are yet to be established.
Alef Aeronautics’ innovative design sets it apart from competitors, with the Model A featuring a unique flying mechanism. Upon liftoff, the cockpit rotates, and the carbon-fiber body tilts sideways before propelling forward—a departure from the traditional drone-like design of other eVTOLs.
With an estimated driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 100 miles, the Model A promises versatility for urban commuters. Looking ahead, Alef Aeronautics founder Dmitry Dukhovny envisions an even more ambitious future, with plans for the Model Z sedan—a vehicle with a flight range of 200 miles, a driving range of 400 miles, and an anticipated price tag of $35,000 by 2035.
Backed by $3 million in seed funding from venture capitalist Tim Draper, Alef Aeronautics stands at the forefront of innovation, poised to transform the landscape of personal transportation. As the world eagerly awaits the dawn of urban air mobility, Alef Aeronautics is leading the charge towards a future where the sky is no longer the limit.
