Thousands Pre-Order World’s First Commercially Available Flying Car

San Mateo, Calif.-based Alef Aeronautics has unveiled the world’s first commercially available flying car, the Alef Model A.

A prototype model made a test flight on 19 February 2025 on a blocked-off road in California. According to Alef’s chief executive officer, Jim Dukhovny, the test was “the first documented verifiable flight of a flying car (an actual car, with vertical takeoff, non-tethered.)”

Alef Model A to be Functional Car and Aircraft

Much more than just a toy or a concept vehicle from science fiction, the Alef Model A has attracted significant interest and support, proving the validity and potential of its design. Its basic plan is that it can drive on the road like any car, have vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, and fly in a forward motion. The company also announced a goal for the vehicle to be “affordable for most people.”

The Alef Model A flying car is an all-electric vehicle with a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles. The company has also announced it will provide a hydrogen option, which will extend range capabilities.

Safety a Priority for Alef Aeronautics

In many of its promotional materials, the company mentions how it has made safety features and components an important part of the Model A’s overall design. Alef reported that it has been making test drives and flights since 2019. Dukhovny said that prior to the February test, he had often been asked why he had not released other videos of it flying.

 “We’re obsessed with safety, and we wanted to make sure the car is safe enough for consumers before we actually show it,” said Dukhovny.

Some safety-related components and measures on the Alef Model A flying car include building it with triple to octuple redundancy on certain components, an obstacle detection and avoidance system, and a ballistic parachute. It also has no exposed propellers, even though concept videos show several under the vehicle’s outer skin.

Company Makes Bold Claims for Its Flying Car

As Alef moves closer to full-scale manufacturing of the Model A flying car, the company has made several bold claims about its features and quality. One example came after the February demonstration.

“This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment. We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible,” said Jim Dukhovny.

In another claim related to the Model A’s energy efficiency, Alef reports, “On average, the Alef flying car uses less energy per trip than a Tesla or any other EV, as well as less energy per trip than eVTOL air taxis.”

The company also stated what customers will pay for a Model A flying car. Their marketing materials state, “It has to be affordable for most people (not just the rich). However, they also announced that the expected price of the vehicle will be $299,999, hardly an affordable cost for most people.

Investors, Manufacturers, and Customers Enthusiastic

Despite this, there is ample evidence of broad support and optimism for the development of the Model A flying car.

Alef has received two patents for its design. Another positive sign for the Model A is that it is the first vehicle with vertical takeoff capability to receive an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate, which gives it permission to fly in the United States.

In 2015, Alef contacted venture capitalist Tim Draper to see if he might be interested in the flying car project. Draper was impressed and became one of the company’s biggest investors. He has also become a mentor for the leadership team at Alef.

Alef Signs Agreement With Manufacturer

In September 2024, Alef Aeronautics entered a manufacturing agreement with PUCARA Aero and MYC, a Spanish joint venture that has made aviation-grade components for Boeing, Airbus, and other civilian and military aviation companies. Since then, the biggest sign that people are excited about the vehicle is that the company has received over 3200 pre-orders and is planning to begin mass production.

Chinese Company Developing Two Flying Car Designs

Alef is not the only company working on a flying car project. Chinese manufacturer XPENG AEROHT is developing two interesting vehicles. The first is their Land Aircraft Carrier. XPENG AEROHT calls this a “modular flying car.” It is a four-seat, six-wheel vehicle that resembles a minivan. Inside, there is an eVTOL aircraft called the Lunar Rover.

The Land Aircraft Carrier operates as a mothership, recharging the aircraft while driving and when parked. The company claims the aircraft will deploy within five minutes after pressing one button. The Lunar Rover has six rotors, and its arms and blades fold to fit inside the mothership. The company hopes to begin selling the vehicle in 2026.

XPENG AEROHT is also beginning to develop its own eVTOL flying car. Early designs for the vehicle resemble a futuristic sports car. Concept images and videos show it driving like a regular car. Then, four rotors deploy from the vehicle’s roof, and it takes off.