Alef Aeronautics has begun manufacturing what it calls the world’s first electric flying car, with the first customer units now being hand-built at the company’s facility in Silicon Valley, California. The milestone marks a major step toward bringing flying vehicles out of science fiction and into real-world use.
Alef has spent nearly a decade developing its electric flying car technology. After unveiling an early prototype in 2016, the company secured investment from Tim Draper, an early backer of Tesla and Bitcoin, whose support enabled Alef to advance from concept to a commuter-ready flying vehicle.
By 2018, Alef had flown its first full-size ‘skeleton’ version, followed in 2019 by its first full prototype, which was shown to investors.
In 2022, Alef introduced the Model A, a fully electric flying car designed for everyday transportation. The vehicle can drive up to 220 miles on the road and achieve a flight range of about 110 miles.
Less than a year later, it became the first flying car to receive a Special Airworthiness Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. It also secured its first pre-orders from a dealership.
Earlier this year, Alef released what it described as the first video in history showing a car driving and then performing a vertical takeoff. The footage showed an ultralight Model A lifting off after jumping over parked vehicles, including a Tesla Cybertruck.
Alef says the first units now entering production will be delivered to a very small group of early customers for real-world testing.
The company plans to train these early adopters and incorporate feedback as it scales production. “We are happy to report that production of the first flying car has started on schedule,” CEO Jim Dukhovny said.
The company describes the vehicle as “100% electric, drivable on public roads, and capable of vertical takeoff and landing.” Alef has already received about 3,500 pre-orders, which it says represent around $1 billion in future revenue.
Pricing is expected to start at roughly $299,999. Customers can place a standard pre-order with a $150 deposit or choose a priority-access reservation for $1,500.
Alef expects the first customer deliveries to begin in 2026, positioning the startup as one of the earliest contenders in the emerging electric flying car industry.
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