ALEF - Flying Car: Pioneering The Future Of Urban Mobility

ALEF flying car in full motion flight after vertical lift-off from a driving surface. No airports required with an electric-powered platform that drives like a car and flies like an Osprey aircraft. Image Credit: Alef Aeronautics (2024)

ALEF - Flying Car: Pioneering The Future Of Urban Mobility

Designed for seamless street driving, vertical takeoff when needed, and flight above congested roadways, Alef is developing an innovative solution to modern traffic challenges.

With industry-leading software and built-in redundancies, Alef aims to deliver a safe and affordable vehicle that redefines everyday commutes. Utilizing proprietary technology, the company enables faster and more efficient travel without the need for traditional runways.

Why drive a busy, traffic signal controlled urban grid when one could simply launch straight up from the street bed and angle the platform to fly above it all until the destination is reached. Image Credit: ALEF Aeronautics (2025)

The vision for Alef began in 2015 when four technical innovators - Dr. Constantine Kisly, Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, and Jim Dukhovny - gathered at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto. What started as a simple sketch on a napkin quickly evolved into an ambitious endeavor to create the world’s first true flying car. However, the initial estimate of six months to build the prototype proved to be a significant understatement.

An interesting platform whose biggest tell that this "car" is designed to be doing something else completely different than just drive is the top surface of the car. A cris-cross grid of vanes allow for air to be sucked in and forced to the ground, lifting the platform as if it were a drone. Once elevated above the street and buildings, the driver/pilot can rotate both the passenger capsule and the body platform so that this car/platform can move quickly in a more horizontal fashion for quick destination arrival. Image Credit: ALEF Aeronautics (2025)

To bring the design to life, Alef enlisted renowned Swedish automotive designer Hirash Razaghi, known for his work on Bugatti and Jaguar vehicles. His expertise helped shape a modern, sporty aesthetic that blended both form and function.

In 2022, the company officially rebranded as “Alef” and launched its public-facing website, unveiling a clear mission and vision for the future of consumer transportation. The name "Alef" - derived from the first letter of the Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, and Syrian alphabets - symbolizes the company’s aspiration to lead the industry and redefine personal mobility.

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Alef’s innovation is guided by three core principles: the vehicle must function as a real car, capable of driving on standard roads and parking in regular spaces; it must have vertical takeoff capabilities, distinguishing it as a true flying car; and it must remain affordable, ensuring accessibility beyond just the wealthiest consumers.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with a revolutionary design, Alef is setting the stage for the next era of transportation - where the sky is no longer the limit.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: ALEF Aeronautics, ALEF, Flying Car, EV, VTOL, Osprey, horizontal flight, The EDJE

#CES2024 Reveal Of eVTOL XPENG Flying Car

Just as one enters the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, a shrouded object greeted all as the signage heralded all to witness the reveal of this eVTOL mobility solution scheduled to be functional and in use by 2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2024) 

#CES2024 Reveal Of eVTOL XPENG Flying Car

Last week at the #CES2024 consumer technology show in Las Vegas, Xpeng Aeroht put on a global reveal of a very unique eVTOL solution to open the show in the West Hall. Xpeng's flying vehicle, named the Land Aircraft Carrier, stood among other flying vehicles on display. Notably, Xpeng was the sole company to provide a timeline for the commencement of commercial sales.

Xpeng Aeroht is set to commence accepting orders for its flying car style eVTOL solution later this year, as announced by the subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Motors. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in late 2025.

The Land Aircraft Carrier is a modular vehicle comprising two segments: a flying module designed for low-altitude transport and a six-wheeled module for terrestrial use. The initial sales of the vehicle will take place in China, with a price tag exceeding 1 million yuan ($140,000). Prospective buyers are expected to have the opportunity to test the vehicles in specified trial areas before finalizing their purchases.

While many competitors in the industry focus on business and public service sectors, Xpeng distinguishes itself by targeting the consumer market. Additionally, at the Las Vegas event, the company showcased a concept electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying car. In contrast to the Land Aircraft Carrier, this vehicle is a unified unit capable of both flying and driving.

Brian Gu, co-president of Xpeng Motors, emphasized that the company's products are tailored for the Chinese market. Xpeng is actively engaged in discussions with regulators regarding the gradual introduction of flying cars in the country.

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TAGS: #CES2024, Flying Car, Land Aircraft Carrier, The EDJE, eVTOL, Xpeng Aeroht, #EVHNEWS