In a recent video, the prototype Model Zero is seen slowly moving before rising above a parked Lexus and landing smoothly on the other side. While it may lack dramatic flair, Alef claims their prototypes have been flying discreetly for years. "We are obsessed with safety and wanted to ensure the car was safe for the public before showcasing it," explains CEO Jim Dukhovny. Is this caution or merely a desire to maintain mystery? It's hard to say.
The Model Zero impresses with its design by Hirash Razaghi, a former designer for Bugatti and Jaguar. With a sleek body resembling a high-tech sports car, it creates a striking visual. However, under the hood, it is essentially a multicopter drone on wheels, with its propellers cleverly hidden.
Alef's ambitions don't stop there. The startup is working on a commercial model, the Model A, priced at $300,000. This flying car won't just take off vertically; it will also be able to pivot mid-air, transforming its sides into wings. This bold idea, if successful, could extend aerial range to 177 km. However, on the road, the Model A will be limited to 40 km/h, registered as an electric vehicle similar to a golf cart. While the rollout of flying cars is still a distant goal, Alef promises enhanced safety systems, though no specific timeline has been announced.
