The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Alef Aeronautics’ flying car prototype, the “Model A”.
The California-based startup’s vehicle is the first fully electric model capable of both flight and road travel to receive such approval from the U.S. government.
The Model A can fly, drive on public roads, and park like a regular car. It has a road range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles, although the manufacturer’s website says it will be certified as a “low speed vehicle”, capable of top speeds of only 25mph. The assumption is that, the website says, “If a driver needs a faster route, a driver will use Alef’s flight capabilities.”
Alef plans to sell the vehicle for $300,000, with the first delivery expected by the end of 2025.
The FAA’s certification permits limited uses such as exhibition, research, and development. The company says that the FAA’s special airworthiness certification was needed in order to continue testing and developing the product. The vehicle is still awaiting approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for road use.
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