Alef Automotive’s “Model A” is the first, fully electric vehicle, that can drive and fly, to be granted an airworthiness approval by the US Federal Aviation Administration, FAA.
It has vertical take-off and landing capabilities, with a road-range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles when fully charged.
It can take two persons and can drive as a car and park in a normal car park. It has eight blades powered by four motors that allow it to lift-off vertically. It then turns and flies sideways with the driver’s side up when in “airplane mode.” The vehicle turns to achieve this position and the passengers maintain their position parallel to the ground. It can fly in any direction.
The FAA confirmed it issued the company an airworthiness certificate but for limited purposes like exhibition and development.
The vehicle, which is eVTOL or all-electric vehicle takeoff and landing aircraft, will sell for $300,000 by 2025 when it comes into full production.
An approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to be on roads is not expected to be a problem. The drivers do not need a pilot’s licence to operate the vehicle. Depending on the country, they may need, at most, a drone operator’s licence.
The company already has refundable pre-orders for up to 400 of the cars at initial deposit of $150 and $1,500 for the priority queue.
The company is also developing eVITOL it calls Model Z that will cost $35,000 and can take four people and do up to 300 miles flight on full charge by 2035.
photo credit: alef
