In news fresh from your sci-fi dreams, a SpaceX-backed US startup has just become the first company in history officially approved to start testing an electric flying car. Made by Alef Aeronautics it should set you back around $300,000.
Although it’s a little difficult to see where the tech fits here—testing is still a little patchy for driverless cars, after all— a recent press release states that the Californian-based, sustainable car company has now received an official Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the ‘Model A’ flying car—a first of its kind for a flight-capable car.
It’s hoped that the car itself, which resembles a futuristic version of the Porsche 550 Spyder, will enjoy both street driving and vertical takeoff capabilities (yep, just like in Back to The Future II), so that it can fit into current parameters for driving and parking in an urban environment.
“It [the Model A flying car] allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute saving individuals and companies hours each week.” explained CEO Jim Dukhovny at launch. “This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.”
As for the details, well, the first ever flying car is set to carry up to two people and enjoy a road range of 322 kilometres and a flying range of 177. While the news has only recently been announced, there are, unsurprisingly, already 440 people who have stumped up with a deposit to become the first to drive/fly it. The best news? You can, too, for a quite reasonable price. While a mere $150 will allow you to join the general queue, anybody who pays $1,500 will be assured of priority access when the deliveries kick off.
According to CEO Dukhovny, that’s looking like being just around the corner in 2025.