Model A, a pure electric flying vehicle invested by SpaceX, has been approved for road test flight, starting at $300,000.
On July 3, California automaker Alef Aeronautics said that its all-electric flying car, Model A, has obtained a special airworthiness certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will begin flight testing on the road.
According to public data, Alef Aeronautics is a start-up with the support of companies such as SpaceX. According to the company, this time the company has obtained the relevant certification for the first time, and Model A has begun to accept reservations, starting at $300000.
Jim Dukhovny, chief executive of Alef Aeronautics, said: "this brings us closer to providing a greener and faster commute, which is expected to save individuals and companies a few hours a week." This is a small step for the aircraft industry, but a big step for the automobile industry. "
Alef Aeronautics said that since flying cars are new and FAA is constantly adjusting regulatory factors, the issuance of special airworthiness certificates limits the places and destinations that Model A can fly.
The company's goal is to produce the first flying car with both road driving and vertical take-off capabilities, and the Model An is designed to accommodate the driving and parking infrastructure of existing cities.
It is reported that Model A can take off vertically or horizontally and can carry up to two people. The mileage is expected to be 200 miles (321 kilometers) and 110 miles (177 kilometers).
Alef Aeronautics announced in January that in the last three months of 2022, about 440 people paid a deposit. Consumers can choose to queue for a deposit of $150, or they can pay $1500 for priority delivery.
In December 2022, Duhovni said in an interview that consumers are expected to see their cars fly by 2025.
Alef is not the only flying car or air taxi company that has made a major regulatory breakthrough in recent days. Shares of Joby Aviation, an air taxi company, soared 44% on Wednesday after it also received a special airworthiness certificate issued by FAA.
