No Longer Fiction, Flying Cars Have Been Tested and Are Ready to Launch to the Market

Kapanlagi.com - The dream of cars that can glide on the roads and fly in the sky, which we have long considered a science fiction fantasy, has now become a reality! The innovative American company, Alef Aeronautics, has just made history with an extraordinary test of their electric car. This vehicle not only drives on the road but also successfully takes off vertically and lands smoothly—a breakthrough that is changing the face of modern automotive.

With a design that looks like an ordinary car, this vehicle has the extraordinary ability to transform into an aircraft without the need for a runway. This innovation offers a smart solution to the increasingly troubling traffic congestion in major cities. This success has led many to associate it with the historic achievement of the Wright brothers in 1903, which also changed the way humans transport themselves.

So, what does this futuristic car look like? And what interesting facts accompany it? Check out the complete explanation of this ambitious project that has now become a reality, summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Thursday (6/3).

1. The First Flying Car Test Successfully Held in Public

Quoting from indiandefencereview.com, on February 19, 2025, Alef Aeronautics held its first public demonstration of its flying car named Model Zero, an electric vehicle capable of driving on highways before hovering in the air with vertical takeoff and safely landing back.

This demonstration lasted for 40 seconds, showcasing how the vehicle can transition from ground mode to air without requiring additional infrastructure such as a runway or vertiport. This trial was also conducted under strict safety standards, including closing the roads around the flight area to ensure no risk to the public.

Alef Aeronautics CEO, Jim Dukhovny, stated that this moment holds historical significance similar to the Wright brothers' first flight, marking a major step towards the revolution of personal air transportation.

"Why show only now (even though we said we flew for over 3 years)? a. As a startup, an early stage startup, we have to protect our Intellectual Property, so not everything could be shown publicly yet b. We’re obsessed with safety, and we wanted to make sure the car is safe enough for consumers before we actually show it c. You have only one chance to make the first impression (Why just appear now (even though we said we have been flying for over 3 years)? A. As a startup, an early-stage startup, we must protect our Intellectual Property, so not everything can be shown to the public. We are obsessed with safety, and we want to ensure the car is safe enough for consumers before we actually showcase it. You only have one chance to make a first impression…" said Alef on his LinkedIn page.

2. Revolutionary Technology: Innovative Design and Efficient Performance

Unlike other flying car concepts that often look like drones or small airplanes, the Model Zero features a design that retains the appearance of a regular car, complete with propellers neatly hidden within its body. This innovation allows the vehicle to operate on highways before smoothly transitioning to flight mode.

One of the most interesting features is its cabin mounted on a gimbal system, keeping a stable position while hovering in the air, thus providing extra comfort and safety for passengers.

With an impressive range—320 km on land and 160 km in the air—the Model Zero is an attractive option for those who want to avoid traffic jams without having to leave their beloved vehicle.

3. Certification and Safety Become the Main Focus

Although it has shown brilliant success in trials, this much-anticipated flying car still has to face significant obstacles, especially regarding strict regulations.

To soar in the sky and traverse highways freely, this innovative vehicle needs to obtain certification from various automotive and aviation bodies, including approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Currently, the Model Zero has only received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, which only allows for limited testing. Alef Aeronautics is required to meet stricter safety standards to operate broadly.

Although the company claims that this flying car is equipped with redundant safety systems and a ballistic parachute, the public and regulators still need to be convinced that this future transportation tool can be used safely in everyday life.

4. Price and Market Target: Can Flying Cars Be Accessible to Everyone?

Alef Aeronautics faces a significant challenge with the high price of its flying vehicles. Model A, the commercial version of the Model Zero currently in development, is expected to be priced around $300,000, or about Rp4.7 billion—a figure that can only be reached by a handful of people.

However, hope arises from Alef's plan to produce Model Z, a more affordable version, which is set to launch in 2035. With a capacity of four passengers and a price of only about $35,000 (around Rp550 million), Model Z has the potential to bring flying car technology closer to the general public, making it part of a more inclusive future of transportation.

5. The Future of Flying Cars: Will They Soon Become Public Transportation?

Flying car technology has demonstrated its capabilities, yet many puzzles remain to be solved, particularly regarding infrastructure readiness and public acceptance. Amid regulations still being drafted, urban air traffic systems also need to be adjusted to accommodate this revolutionary vehicle.

If all these challenges can be overcome, flying cars could be the answer to modern transportation issues, offering faster and more efficient travel without getting stuck in traffic.

With over 3,300 pre-orders already registered, public enthusiasm for flying cars is growing stronger. The question now is, when will we see this futuristic vehicle become part of our daily routines?

6. FAQ

(kpl/rmt)