Alef Aeronautics has begun test operations of its Model A flying electric car at airports in the United States, moving closer to bringing road-to-air mobility into practice. The California-based company has reached agreements with Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports to conduct trials, after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a Special Airworthiness Certification in 2023.
The Model A, unveiled last year, is designed to operate both on public roads and in the air with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, eliminating the need for a runway. The vehicle has an estimated range of 320 km (200 miles) on land and about 180 km (110 miles) in the air. Its top speed is around 180 km/h (110 mph) while flying and 56 km/h (35 mph) on the road. The fully electric design incorporates components from suppliers that also work with Airbus and Boeing.
“This marks a significant step toward redefining personal transportation by merging road and air mobility,” Alef Aeronautics said in a statement reported by KTVU Fox 2.
The company is first trialing its ultra-lightweight Model Zero before the commercial rollout of the Model A, which is expected to cost around $300,000. Customers can already place online reservations for $150, or pay $1,500 for priority delivery. Alef said it has received more than 3,300 pre-orders, reflecting strong interest in the concept.
While the vehicle can drive on public roads, it still requires regulatory clearance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Longer term, Alef says the Model A could reshape urban transport by easing congestion through a blend of roadway and low-altitude flight.