World
India
A revolutionary flying car by Alef Aeronautics, designed to tackle congested traffic, has made its debut flight. Priced at Rs 2.5 crore ($300,000), this innovative vehicle functions like a conventional car on roads but features propellers in the bonnet and boot, enabling vertical take-off.
The US-based company released its first video showing the car soaring into the sky, giving viewers a glimpse of what seems like a scene from a sci-fi movie.
⚡️The first ever electric car flight was made by the American company Alef Aeronautics👀
The video shows the Model A electric car driving along the road and then flying over another vehicle. The car is reportedly capable of driving 354 km and flying 177 km on a single charge.… pic.twitter.com/MrzHzzkwjK— 🌚 MatTrang 🌝 (@MatTrang911) February 21, 2025
Advertisement · Scroll to continue
Advanced Technology: Distributed Electric Propulsion
The flying car utilizes distributed electric propulsion, equipped with a mesh layer covering the propeller blades for safety and efficiency. During its test flight, the vehicle effortlessly took off and hovered above the ground. According to a report by the New York Post, the test was conducted using an ultralight prototype of the Alef Model Zero.
Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef Aeronautics, compared the milestone to the Wright Brothers’ historic Kitty Hawk flight in 1903. He stated, “This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment,” underscoring the significance of this achievement.
You fell in love with the flying car when you first watched The Jetson’s – well, now it’s finally here—it’s the ALEF FLYING CAR. The Alef goes about 200-miles on land and 110 miles in the air. The current price is about $300,000. #flyingcar pic.twitter.com/mdyPg0YHM3
— Steve Greenberg (@stevetv) February 21, 2025
Social Media Buzz
The video of the flying car taking off and maneuvering over another vehicle quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions on social media. Some users expressed excitement and nostalgia, with one commenting, “Crazy. This is exactly how I imagined flying cars would be when I was 4.”
However, others were skeptical about the commercial viability of the flying car. One user questioned the energy requirements, saying, “I can only imagine the amount of energy required to lift this off the ground lol I’m going to have to figure out what it uses for its propulsion.”
Another joked about the challenges of parking, stating, “I’m not sure if parallel parking would become easier or disastrous.”
Commercial Launch Plans: Model A and Model Z
Alef Aeronautics is gearing up for commercial operations with plans to launch the two-seater Alef Model A flying car. This model is expected to offer a flying range of 110 miles and a driving range of 200 miles, along with autopilot flight capabilities. The company revealed that they have already received 3,300 pre-orders for this model.
Looking to the future, Alef aims to introduce an advanced version called the Alef Model Z by 2035. This four-seater flying sedan will have a maximum flying range of 200 miles and a driving range of 400 miles, offering a more spacious and versatile travel experience.
Conclusion: A Leap Towards the Future of Mobility
Alef Aeronautics’ flying car represents a significant leap in urban mobility, blending the functionality of a traditional vehicle with the freedom of flight. As the company continues to develop its technology, the vision of flying cars becoming a common sight on city streets seems closer than ever.
