(MENAFN- The Peninsula) mahmoud elmazaty |
The Peninsula online
Doha, Qatar: The world's first fully electric flying vehicle has just received special airworthiness certification, and is now officially taking preorders.
The federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded certification to Alef Aeronautics for its innovative flying car, enabling the California company to conduct road and air tests for its vehicle, as per the company's announcement.
The unique vehicle, also known as "Model A", boasts an electric engine with a hydrogen fuel option available at an additional cost.
According to Alef, this ground-breaking car can travel up to 200 miles on public roads and is compact enough to fit into a standard garage. More impressively, it can take to the skies with a flight range of 110 miles.
"The car can fly directly above any obstacles until the desired destination is reached," the San Mateo-based company revealed.
The vehicle also features a novel design with a rotating cabin that ensures both the driver and the cabin remain stable during flight.
Model A offers a distinctive capability to bypass traffic and fly in any direction, coupled with a 180-degree-plus panoramic view that guarantees both safety and an enjoyable flight experience.
Customers have the option to preorder this two-seater vehicle, which is reported by Fox Business to be priced at around $300,000.
According to Fox Business, the FAA confirmed the issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the Armada Model Zero aircraft on June 12, 2023.
This certificate permits the use of the aircraft for limited purposes, like exhibition, research, and development.
First revealed last October, the flying car from Alef has already received an encouraging number of preorders from both individuals and corporations.
Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny, who co-founded the company in 2015 commented, "We're excited to receive this certification from the FAA,"
He sees this certification as a stepping stone towards a more eco-friendly and expedient mode of transportation, potentially saving individuals and businesses valuable time every week.
He stated, "This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars."
With the FAA currently formulating policies for the takeoff and landing of electric vehicles, Alef is poised at the forefront of a significant evolution in the transportation industry.