24Naija

Flying car prototype gets green light in America

Alef Aeronautics’ electric flying car, its Model A, got FAA approval for test flights.
Alef claims the EV has a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles.
The car will cost $300,000. Mock-up images show what it could be like.
Alef Aeronautics’ electric flying car just won federal approval for test flights.

The Californian automaker said last week that it had received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for its Model A flying car, which it said marked the first time such a vehicle has received legal approval to fly from the US Government.

Because the FAA is currently developing policies for electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, the certificate limits the locations and purpose for which the car is permitted to fly.

Alef said in a press release in October that it had been test-driving and -flying a full-size prototype since 2019.

Mock-up images released by Alef show what the vehicle could be like.

The car could fly up to 110 miles.

How would a flying car work?

The Alef Aeronautics Model A can be used like a relatively normal car. It has four wheels and an electric motor, and its on-road range is estimated at up to 200 miles.

Alef Aeronautics also estimates its in-air range at up to 110 miles. However, to fly in directions other than straight up, the Model A will need to turn on its side because the car’s flight is powered by a series of rotor blades that sit inside its mesh-like shell.

Stop thinking about it as a flying car and the Alef Model A starts to look more like a giant rideable drone.

The passenger won’t be left sitting at 90 degrees to the ground, though, because the seating compartment is mounted on a gimbal-like structure that keeps you parallel to the ground at all times.

Are we witnessing the birth of future transportation tech?

Alef Aeronautics claims it plans to start production in 2025, which seems incredibly soon given what an unusual design the Model A represents. Unfortunately, some of the details reveal the story isn’t quite as tasty in reality as it seems on the surface.

Read More