Alef Aeronautics showcases flying car technology over Tesla Roadster

Alef Aeronautics, a California-based startup, released a video featuring its electric vehicle flying over a parked Tesla Roadster to mark its 1,000th test flight. The company’s CEO, Jim Dukhovny, used the demonstration to welcome Tesla to the flying car race, noting that Alef has been operating alone in the sector for 11 years.

While the Tesla Roadster utilizes a cold gas propulsion system developed by SpaceX—which uses high-pressure nitrogen to create thrust via Newton’s Third Law—Alef’s technology focuses on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). Alef’s vehicles are designed to function as both road-legal cars and aircraft, utilizing distributed electric propulsion (DEP) and a lift-generating body design.

Despite the competitive tone, Dukhovny stated that the entry of competitors like Tesla is a positive signal for the market, as it may help attract investors and encourage the development of necessary regulatory frameworks for flying cars.