In the heart of Silicon Valley, the US startup Alef Aeronautics has announced a pivotal milestone in its history: the manual assembly of the first commercial units of the Model A. Regarded by many as the first electric car capable of both legal street driving and vertical takeoff, it represents a fusion of road and sky travel in a single machine. Led by CEO Jim Dukhovny, the company is pursuing a concept distinct from traditional eVTOLs, which often resemble large drones or futuristic air taxis.

The goal is to maintain the dimensions and appearance of a standard automobile by housing all flight technology within the vehicle's bodywork. With thousands of reservations and a multi-million dollar order book, Alef Aeronautics aims to demonstrate that urban aviation need not rely on airports, runways, or complex infrastructure. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the project is the engineering behind the Model A: its upper section features an open carbon-fiber mesh that allows airflow to reach eight protected internal rotors, thereby eliminating exposed propellers and reducing risks to pedestrians.

During takeoff, the vehicle behaves like a large drone; however, upon initiating horizontal movement, the entire external structure rotates 90 degrees, transforming the car's sides into a biplane-like configuration. Meanwhile, the passenger cabin remains level thanks to a gimbal system similar to that used in gyroscopes, allowing the pilot and passenger to remain seated normally while the rest of the structure shifts position.

Specifications also reveal an interesting mix of safety features and limitations. On the ground, the vehicle has a range of approximately 322 km and a speed limited to 40 km/h to comply with low-speed urban vehicle regulations. In the air, the range reaches about 177 km with a similar top speed; obstacle sensors, independent motors, and even an integrated ballistic parachute have been added to enhance safety in the event of a failure.

Despite this progress, significant hurdles remain; each unit is still hand-built in San Mateo for intensive testing. The price tag of approximately $300,000 limits access to a small elite, and FAA regulations require operators to hold a private pilot's license; furthermore, flights over densely populated urban areas remain prohibited during this initial phase.