World’s First Flying Car Takes Center Stage at Detroit Auto Show

The future of driving soared-literally-at the Detroit Auto Show with the premiere of the world’s first flying car. California-based Alef Aeronautics showed off its beautiful Model A prototype, a vehicle with a UFO-inspired bubble-like cabin that can fit two daring passengers, following legal certification by about two months.

Alef plans to start production on the first commercially operational flying car in two years, even though it didn’t fly during the ceremony. The Model A costs $300,000 when it hits the market. The flying car got a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA in June, allowing road and air testing.

Alef founder and CEO Jim Dukhovny initially saw the flying car as a tool to reduce traffic but realized its versatility. The all-electric vehicle has a 200-mile driving range on public roads and a 110-mile flying range with vertical takeoff. The cabin provides 180-degree views and stabilizes throughout the flight.

Model A, much like an SUV, is 17 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 6 feet tall, fitting into parking spaces as well as garages. Its controls are simple, hence requiring little training for the general population. Dukhovny said, “You can accomplish this if you can distinguish right, left, up, down, front, and behind. Its controls are limited.” The premiere at the Detroit Auto Show promises flying automobiles in a few decades.