‘Electric Flying Car’ Approved for Test Flights

A $300,00 electric flying car has been cleared for test flights in the United States.

1 minute read

July 5, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Federal regulators have granted a first-of-its-kind approval for a flying car. 

“Alef Aeronautics, a Californian automaker, said in a press release it had received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” according to an article by Ryan Hogg.

“It's the first such approval for a flight-capable car, according to the startup, which has been backed by the likes of SpaceX,” adds Hogg.

The Federal Aviation Administration published an “Urban Air Mobility” concept of operations report in April 2023 that will limit the locations and purposes of the test flights.

As for the critical stats on the electric flying car, Hogg Reports that the Alef car “is able to take off vertically or horizontally, and can carry up to two people,” and “It's expected to have a road range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles.” The price tag for the vehicle is also expected to be $300,000.

Sunday, July 2, 2023 in Business Insider

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City