Tesla and Alef Aeronautics showcase flying vehicle concepts

Tesla has generated significant attention with a demonstration of its Roadster, a vehicle concept that appears to defy traditional physics. The presentation has sparked debate over whether the technology represents a genuine engineering breakthrough or a highly choreographed spectacle.

In response to the buzz surrounding Tesla, California-based Alef Aeronautics has released new footage of its own flying vehicle, the Model A. Developed since 2015, the electric Model A is designed to drive on roads before performing vertical take-offs. The vehicle features a specialized body housing multiple propellers.

Alef Aeronautics reports a road range of 320 kilometers and a flight range of approximately 180 kilometers. The company, which counts Tim Draper among its investors, received a special airworthiness certificate from US aviation authorities in 2023 for certain tests. The company aims to market the vehicle for approximately $300,000.