Imagine being stuck in traffic, then watching your car lift straight up into the air. It sounds like science fiction, but US company Alef Aeronautics is building exactly that: the Model A, an electric car designed to drive on roads and take off vertically.
But is it practical for everyday drivers? And what could flying cars mean for car owners, garages and the parts industry? Here’s a simple breakdown.
What Is the Alef Model A?
The Alef Model A is an electric flying car, sometimes called a “roadable eVTOL”. Alef describes it as 100% electric, drivable on public roads and capable of vertical take-off and landing.[2]
According to Alef, the Model A is designed to fit in a normal driving lane, drive on public roads and follow road-traffic rules. When conditions allow, it can take off vertically and fly.[1]
What Makes It Different?
This isn’t a car with wings bolted on. The design is quite unusual:
Fully electric and designed to drive on public roads like a normal car, carrying one or two people.[2][5]
Lift comes from distributed electric propulsion with fully enclosed propellers inside the body. A gimbaled cabin keeps the occupants level while the body changes position in flight.[6]
In short, it drives like a car on the road and flies like an eVTOL when it needs to.
Range and Expected Price
Reported figures put the driving range at around 200–220 miles (about 322–354 km) and the flight range at about 110 miles (around 177 km).[5][6] These are manufacturer-quoted figures, not independently tested numbers, and they may change before customer cars are finalised.
The expected price is $299,999, roughly $300,000. Pre-orders open with a refundable deposit, $150 for the general queue or $1,500 for the priority queue.[2] That puts it firmly in premium, early-adopter territory rather than the family-car market.
Where Things Stand in 2026
- October 2022Alef unveils the Model A.[5]
- June 2023The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues Alef a special airworthiness certificate, allowing limited flight operations at specific locations for purposes including exhibition, research and development.[3][4]
- December 2025Alef announces it has started hand-building the first Model A units in California. A small number of early customers will test them in real-world conditions under controlled settings.[2]
- TodayThe vehicle is still in an early stage of development and controlled customer testing. Wider everyday use depends on meeting the relevant road and aviation requirements, and a general customer delivery programme has not been announced.[2]
Is It Practical Today?
Not for most people, at least not yet. A flying car has to satisfy both road rules and aviation rules, which makes it far more complicated than a normal car.
For now, it’s best seen as an exciting early-stage technology rather than something you’ll see on your local high street.
What Could Flying Cars Mean for Car Parts?
If flying cars ever become common, they would change how vehicles are maintained and which parts matter most.
More demand for EV parts
The Model A is fully electric. As EVs spread, demand may shift away from some engine parts and towards electrical ones.
Brakes, suspension and tyres still matter
Any vehicle that drives on the road still relies on good brakes, suspension, steering and tyres. Flying cars will be no different on the ground.
New categories of parts
Flying cars could create demand for completely new components, such as:
- Flight motors and propeller systems
- Lightweight body panels
- Battery-management components
- Flight sensors and safety electronics
- High-voltage wiring and connectors
- Specialised cooling systems
Garages will need new skills
Mechanics may need more knowledge of EV diagnostics, battery safety, high-voltage systems and software-based fault finding, alongside traditional repairs.
What Car Owners Can Learn Today
The Model A is still future technology, but it highlights a clear trend: cars are getting smarter and more electric. Whatever you drive today, petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, good maintenance and the right replacement parts still keep it safe and reliable.
- Check brakes, tyres and suspension regularly.
- Keep an eye on battery and electrical-system health, especially on an EV.
- Use compatible, quality replacement parts.
- Choose parts by your car’s make, model and year, and check the OE number where you can.
- Get professional help for complex repairs or replacements.
Final Thoughts
The Alef Model A shows that the future of mobility may not stay on the road. It’s still a premium, developing technology, but it’s an important signal for the whole motor industry.
Until flying cars go mainstream, the best way to look after your car is simple: use the right parts, stick to a maintenance schedule and fix problems early. At D2P Autoparts, our team can help you find the correct part for your vehicle. If you’re not sure what fits, see our guide to finding parts by VIN, make, model and year, or talk to our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy the Alef Model A now?
You can join the pre-order list with a refundable deposit, but the car isn’t generally on sale yet. The first hand-built units are going to a small number of early customers for controlled testing, and a general delivery programme has not been announced.
Is the Alef Model A approved to fly?
Only in a limited way. In June 2023 the FAA issued Alef a special airworthiness certificate that allows limited flight operations at specific locations, for purposes including exhibition, research and development. Wider everyday use depends on meeting the relevant road and aviation requirements.
How much does the Alef Model A cost?
Alef lists an expected price of $299,999.
Is the Alef Model A available in the UK?
Alef is a US company and its approvals so far are from the US FAA. There is no announced UK launch.
Will flying cars change the parts my car needs?
Not today. Your current car still needs the same brakes, suspension, filters and electrical parts. Over the long term, the move to electric vehicles is the bigger change for the parts industry.
Keep Your Car Running Right, Today
Flying cars can wait. Find the correct replacement parts for the car you drive now.
Sources
- Alef Aeronautics – Official Website & Model A Pre-Order Information
- Alef Aeronautics – “Alef begins manufacturing of world’s 1st flying car” (press release, 9 Dec 2025)
- FAA – Historical Chronology: Civil Aviation, 2022–April 2024
- FAA – Special Airworthiness Certificates
- CNN – Alef’s flying car prototype gets an FAA airworthiness certificate (Jul 2023)
- Interesting Engineering – Alef begins production of American-made flying cars
