World's First Flying Car

In what can be called a scene straight out of a Hollywood sci-fi, US-based Alef Aeronautics has released the first video of the vertical takeoff of its flying car. While most flying cars look or manoeuvre like helicopters, Alef’s new car brings back the memories of Flubber and Spaceballs. The flying prototype of the car has been designed to look like an actual car.?

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The car from Alef is what is known as an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, or eVTOL. This essentially means that the car is similar to a drone and can launch vertically using its electric power. This is in contrast to aeroplanes that require a long runway to take off.?

The California-based startup has released footage of its Model Zero prototype. The video shows the world’s first flying car that is capable of a vertical takeoff on public roads. Based on numerous reports, the electric vehicle successfully drove on a street before lifting off and hovering over a parked car, marking a significant milestone in urban air mobility.?

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What is Model Zero?

Model Zero’s vertical takeoff capability shows a landmark moment in air mobility. The video shows the eVTOL transition effortlessly from a road to air travel mode. Experts feel this could revolutionise transportation. Based on the footage, the vehicle can lift off from a stationary position on public roads or anywhere. The test flight was reportedly carried out in San Mateo, California, and the Model Zero can be seen successfully hovering over a parked car before landing and continuing its journey. Reportedly, the vertical takeoff is powered by eight concealed rotors—four in the front and four at the back. These rotors are hidden within the eVTOL’s mesh-like body. In order to ensure safety, Alef used a lightweight variant of the Model Zero and ran the tests on closed-off roads. According to the company, this is the first instance of a car driving on a road and then taking off vertically within a city.?

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Reportedly, the car has been categorised as a low-speed vehicle as it only goes as fast as 25 miles per hour. Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, has called the achievement similar to the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.?

Model Zero design and specs

Model Zero stands out from traditional vehicles owing to its design, which is aligned with the concept of eVTOLs. It features a unique mesh-like exterior that has electric motors underneath it. The vehicle’s body can rotate 90 degrees when airborne, essentially transforming the roof into the wing surface. This configuration allows the car vehicle to maintain a car-like profile while on the road. Besides, it has a protective grille covering that enhances safety for its urban operations. It can accommodate one person.

When it comes to specifications, the Model Zero comes with a driving range of 320 km and a flight range of 160 km. It has a maximum speed of 40 km on the road and features bicycle-like tires. Alef Aeronautics is preparing to move its Model A flying car from prototype to production, with 3,330 pre-orders and a price of $299,999 (approx. Rs 2.62 crore) per unit. Production is expected to begin next year, supported by a manufacturing agreement for aviation-grade parts. The company also plans to launch the Model Z, a four-seater flying sedan, by 2035. However, experts remain sceptical due to regulatory and technological challenges.

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Article By : Trupti Thakur