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Alef Begins Hand-Built Production of Model A ‘Flying Car’ in Silicon Valley

The startup plans to place a few vehicles with early customers for controlled real-world trials before moving toward broader deliveries.

Overview

  • Alef says Model A Ultralight assembly is underway in San Mateo, with each early unit taking months to complete and undergoing extensive component checks and flight testing.
  • Initial rollout will be limited to fewer than 10 customers prioritized by earliest orders and largest deposits, with training and compliance support provided by the company.
  • Planned first deliveries are targeted for customers in California and Hong Kong, with broader production dependent on test results, manufacturing scale and funding.
  • The company frames Model A as a 100% electric VTOL that can drive on public roads as a low-speed vehicle limited to 25 mph, with operations described as requiring only a driver’s license and daylight, non-congested-area flights in the U.S.
  • Alef lists a presale price around $300,000 and reports about 3,500 preorders worth up to roughly $1 billion, and cites estimated ranges of about 220 miles driving and 110 miles flying.