Alef Aeronautics has broken new ground with an electric flying car capable of vertical takeoff and forward flight. Olivia Palamountain reports

Alef Aeronautics has emerged as a pioneer in the nascent flying car industry, developing what it claims is the world's first true flying car capable of both road travel and vertical takeoff.

The California-based company, founded in 2015, has been quietly testing its full-size prototype since 2019 and recently became the first flying car to receive an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in the United States.

Led by CEO Jim Dukhovny alongside a team of engineers, Alef has already secured an impressive US$1 billion worth of pre-orders for its vehicles, making it what the company describes as the "best-selling vehicle in history in aircraft pre-sold per year."The company's current development model, dubbed "Model Zero," serves as the research platform for its first consumer product, the "Model A".

This fully electric vehicle promises a driving range of 200 miles and flight range of 110 miles, distinguishing itself from other aerial mobility solutions by requiring no runway, airport or vertiport for operation.Unlike conventional eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles or flying taxis, the Alef flying car can be driven on roads and parked in standard spaces, integrating with existing urban infrastructure. The company claims its gimbaled cabin design and elevon system provide stable flight, while the absence of exposed propellers enhances safety and reduces noise.Safety features include distributed electric propulsion, multiple redundancy systems, real-time diagnostics, obstacle detection and avoidance, and a full-vehicle ballistic parachute. The company also emphasises the environmental benefits, stating that its flying car uses less energy per trip than both conventional electric vehicles and eVTOL air taxis.The Alef "Model A" is currently available for pre-order at US$300,000, but the company has more ambitious long-term plans. Its future "Model Z," projected for 2035, aims to accommodate four passengers with an anticipated price of US$35,000, extended range capabilities, and autonomous flight features.With early backing from prominent investors including venture capitalist Tim Draper, an early Tesla investor, Alef represents a significant step toward addressing urban congestion through innovative aerial mobility solutions that combine the convenience of cars with the freedom of flight.