'World's first': Alef begins production of American-made flying cars

Alef Aeronautics, a US startup based in San Mateo, California, has begun production of the world’s first American-made electric flying car, the Alef Model A Ultralight. After over a decade of development, including FAA airworthiness certification in 2023, Alef is now manufacturing these road-legal vehicles capable of vertical takeoff and flight. The Model A offers a driving range of 220 miles (354 km) and a flight range of 110 miles (177 km), combining features of both cars and eVTOL aircraft. Each unit is hand-assembled in Silicon Valley, with production blending robotic and handcrafted processes to ensure quality and safety. Early production units will be delivered to select customers for controlled real-world testing, with training and maintenance support provided. Alef’s flying car distinguishes itself by being fully electric, requiring no runway for takeoff, and fitting within existing urban infrastructure for parking and road use. It incorporates advanced safety features such as Distributed Electric Propulsion,