Alef Aeronautics has become the first company to receive legal approval from the US government for its flying car.
The company announced that it has been granted a Special Airworthiness Certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a significant milestone for the industry.
The FAA is currently developing policies for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and their integration with ground infrastructure, indicating the growing importance of this emerging technology.
However, the certification comes with limitations. Alef's Special Airworthiness Certificate restricts the locations and purposes for which the flying car is permitted to fly.
The car, which is fully electric and can carry one or two occupants, is priced at approximately $300,000. It is designed to fly over traffic congestion and accidents, providing an alternative mode of transportation.
Alef Aeronautics unveiled a full-sized sports car and two working technology demonstrator cars in October 2022.
The company has already received over 440 pre-orders from individuals and corporate consumers, signalling a strong demand for this innovative product. The company aims to start delivering flying cars to customers by the end of 2025.
The flying car is being developed for use on regular roads, with the ability to park in standard parking spaces and garages. However, its maximum speed on paved surfaces is capped at 25 miles per hour, as it is classified as a low-speed vehicle.
The assumption is that if a driver requires a faster route, they can make use of the car's flight capabilities. Alef Aeronautics believes that its achievement in obtaining legal approval for its flying car is a validation of the market potential for this technology.
The company's CEO, Jim Dukhovny, stated that their goal is to deliver the first real flying car in history, and they are pleased with the strong interest and pre-orders they have received.
Also watch: 5 Upcoming Smartphones Launches in July 2023: Samsung Galaxy M34, OnePlus Nord 3, Nothing Phone 2 & more