Ok, I have been putting it off for too long. It’s time to delve into the highly publicized Alef flying car.
I’m pretty excited about this - an ACTUAL flying car that does both of the things it needs to do. But I’m staying cautiously optimistic.
Jim Dukhovny, the visionary behind Alef Aeronautics, aims to revolutionize flying cars. His California-based company has introduced a fresh perspective on transitioning terrestrial vehicles into the realm of the skies, catching the attention of some very prominent venture capitalists.
Alef's Model A, which has been in hiding for about 7 years, deviates from the traditional portrayal of flying cars seen in old movies. It looks just like a normal car with a thin grill-like covering and some partially covered wheels.
Tim Draper, an early investor in Elon Musk's Tesla Inc (TSLA) and SpaceX. Draper's Draper Associates Fund V has provided Alef with a substantial $3 million in seed capital. I know, for manufacturing, that’s not a lot - but it’s a start. Draper's investment increased after witnessing a small drone prototype created by Alef that performed precisely as promised (when do we get to see??). He commended the design, particularly the car's transformation into wings when transitioning to horizontal flight.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, Alef has engineered the Model A, an electric car with a sleek yet relatively conventional design, capable of vertical take-off, landing, and, of course, flight.
Jim Dukhovny (not the X-files guy), Alef's CEO, brings a diverse background to the project. As a computer scientist, software designer, science-fiction enthusiast, and serial entrepreneur, he had previously operated an online gaming site known as Intellectual Casino. Apparently it no longer exists but you can probably wayback machine it to find out more.
In an interview, Dukhovny revealed that the hand-built Model A is targeted to retail at $300,000, with production and initial deliveries scheduled for 2025. Ok - it’s aimed at the ultra rich, as even a Tesla Model X with all the bells and whistles is less than half of that. But this thing flies. (we think)
One of the distinguishing features that sets the Model A apart from earlier attempts at flying cars is its flight mechanism. Upon lifting off the ground, the cockpit swivels, and the carbon-fiber body rotates to its side, propelled forward by an array of propellers. Unlike other recent endeavors by competitors, Alef's design does not resemble giant drones and retains the ability to travel on wheels. So that’s cool. Un-exposed blades is always a nice safety feature.
Dukhovny says, "The entire car is the wing," well no it’s not a wing. There’s still drone stuff inside of it, and no visible wings or control surfaces.
Alef anticipates a driving range of 200 miles (322 km) and a flight range of 100 miles for the Model A. Incredible - let’s see how true they stay to that statement.
Dukhovny has an even more ambitious plan for 2030 - the proposed Model Z sedan. This vehicle is projected to possess a flight range of 200 miles and a driving range of 400 miles, all at an estimated price tag of $35,000. What. I can actually afford one?
He confidently asserts, "This is not more complicated than a Toyota Corolla," emphasizing the goal of achieving a similar price point.
Want to Pre-order? Here you go: https://alef.aero/preorder.html