Unique & Highly Advanced Flying Car

 Alef Aeronautics Model A

                                    Source:  Alef Aeronautics

Flying/Driving eVTOL that Works with Current Infrastructure 

California startup Alef Aeronautics, which is a cutting-edge technology company, just unveiled a very innovative and fresh take on flying cars. The electric, composite eVTOL called Model A looks like a hot and sporty convertible.  But it actually is a street legal and garage park-able flying, driving car with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. This vehicle fits into and works within existing infrastructure.  It is also the ultimate in cutting edge technologies and seems to have flown out of a Star Wars movie.

Very Interesting New Technologies

The EV is totally battery powered.  The frame of Model A is hyper-minimalist, much of which is made from light weight mesh composite.  The cabin accommodates 2 people.  To drive, it uses 4, hub motors.  To fly, Model A uses 8 rotors, each 2 feet in diameter. The rotors are located under the mesh skin which allows air to flow smoothly through the car. The EV is a highly advanced, multi-copter-style platform that is unique.

Incredible Engineering

Alef's design is one of the most interesting and advanced approaches to eVTOL flight that aviation experts have seen.  Some examples of the unique approach include:

• Once airborne, the cabin rotates 90-degrees to the side so the driver and passenger are facing sideways.
• As the EV moves forward and starts to accelerate, the airframe tilts and the cabin becomes level.
• As the vehicle picks up speed, the side panels of the car convert into airfoil wings in a biplane formation.
• Once the wing unfolds, the driver and passenger are in a bubble of glass with unobstructed views.
• The incredible repurposing of the body side works into wings provides additional lift to sustain cruising speed.

Data Points

The Model A sounds like a vehicle straight out of science fiction or a highly advanced carnival ride.  But it's close to takeoff and delivery. 

Alef says it can drive 200 miles and fly 177 miles on a charge.  It's priced to start at $300,000.  First deliveries to customers start in 2025.  Alef is developing an incredibly fascinating and unique new form of transportation for future commuting.