Alef Aeronautics has just released groundbreaking footage of its electric flying car performing a vertical takeoff over another vehicle on a California road, marking what the company calls the first-ever test of a car driving and lifting off in a city environment.
The startup, which aims to revolutionize urban transportation, believes flying cars could be the solution to traffic congestion by simply soaring over gridlock.
“This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment,” said Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny. “We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible.”
The prototype, however, still has limitations. It currently drives at only 25 mph and uses four rotors in the front and four in the rear to lift off.
Despite these early-stage constraints, the concept has gained significant traction. Alef has already secured over 3,000 preorders and plans to sell the futuristic vehicles for $300,000 each.
Could this be the future of commuting? Alef certainly thinks so—and they’ve taken a major step toward making it a reality
