First US government-approved 100% electric flying car now up for preorder

A California-based company developing the world's first full electric flying car has been approved by the United States government and is now available for pre-order.

USA Today reported that Alef Aeronautics's "Model A" flying car, which is still under experimental status, was granted legal permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test run it on the road and in the sky. During the test run, Alef is expected to report issues the vehicle may encounter.

The 2015 company has been testing the flying car's prototype since 2019.

Alef said it's the first to receive an FAA "special airworthiness certification," which limits locations the vehicle may fly. It would also have to meet the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration standards before taking it to the skies.

Alef, in a press release, described its creation as "100% electric, drivable on public roads, and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities."

The two-person, low-speed vehicle doesn't go faster than 25 miles (40km) per hour on land.

"The historical significance of this cannot be overstated," Alef Chief Executive Officer Jim Dukhovny told USA Today. "While there have been pioneers like Terrafugia, Paul Moller, and Henry Ford, this is the first time a vehicle, in the traditional sense (parks and drives like a car, functions like a car, looks like a car), has received permission to fly."

According to Alef's official website, "Model A" is priced at about $300,000 (P16.5 million). Interested parties may pay a $150 (P8,200) deposit to become part of the waitlist. They may also pay $1,500 (P82,000) for a priority spot.