The first flying car has just been approved by US government
Published on Jul 03, 2023 at 1:36 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Jul 04, 2023 at 10:13 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Something historic has just happened.
For the first time in history, a flying car has been granted approval by the U.S. government.
This is huge, because it means the flying car can now take to the skies under experimental status.
READ MORE! This flying pod turns into an electric car
The Alef Model A has been awarded a Special Airworthiness Certification from the U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
It’s the first time a vehicle of this nature has received government certification, according to the Californian company.
“It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week,” Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny said.
Before we all get carried away, there are several caveats.
For starters, the FAA issued the certificate for a precursor to the production model – the Armada Model Zero, not the Model A.
What that means is, even though the Model A is currently on pre-sale, it will also need to be cleared by the FAA before it can fly.
Not only that, but it will also need to meet the safety standards of the National Highway and Traffic Safety Adminustration (NHTSA).
And when we say it can be used under experimental status, that means for exhibition, research, and development.
Your average Joe won’t be able to jump into the flying car for a test drive or flight; that’s a few years off.
Alef will have to wait for the FAA to certify eVOTLs for commercial use before it can sell, fly, or drive the Model A.
Two other models, Terrafugia’s Transition and Samson Sky’s Switchblade, have also been awarded approvals by the FAA.
The difference is, neither design is fully electric like the Model A.
The two fixed-wing crafts can only come and go from airports, too, whereas the Alef Model A can execute vertical takeoff and landings in a variety of locations.
The fully-electric craft will have a range of approximately 200 miles (321 kilometers) and 110 miles (177 kilometers) in the air.
It will have a top speed of about 35 mph (56 km/h) and will be able to seat two passengers.
Alef flying car price
According to Alef, it’s received “strong pre-orders” from both individuals and companies for the $300,000 flying car, with first deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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Adam Gray is an experienced freelance motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for a variety of lifestyle and business publications. Here at Supercar Blondie, Adam applies his journalistic skills penning social-first content around current news and trends. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car or writing up another viral story, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or at the Riverside Stadium supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
