Alef flying car soars over Tesla, claiming 'we are the first'

US-based Alef Aeronautics has taken a playful swipe at Tesla after releasing a video showing its electric flying car soaring over a Tesla Roadster and Cybertruck, declaring that it has spent 11 years developing the technology and welcoming Elon Musk’s company to the emerging race.

The California-based company released the video as a demonstration of its flying car’s capabilities, positioning itself as an early contender in a field that has attracted renewed attention following Tesla’s demonstrations of the next-generation Roadster.

According to an Al Jazeera report published on October 17, Alef Chief Executive Officer Jim Dukhovny said the company was pleased to welcome Tesla to the flying-car competition, adding that the entry of a major manufacturer could benefit the industry.


Although both companies are exploring ways to combine cars with flight, their technologies differ significantly.

Alef’s vehicle is designed to operate on public roads and take off vertically before flying through the air. According to the company’s website, its body is engineered to function like a wing during flight, while an electric propulsion system with multiple motors provides lift.

Tesla’s latest Roadster demonstration, by contrast, has focused on the vehicle’s ability to perform brief aerial manoeuvres. According to the Associated Press, Tesla has discussed using cold-gas thrusters and a specialised suction system as part of the technology.

However, questions remain about the Roadster’s production timeline, regulatory approval and commercial availability. Musk has said production of the next-generation Roadster is not expected to begin before 2028.


Alef Aeronautics was founded in 2015 by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin and Oleg Petrov. Their goal was to develop a vehicle that could be driven and parked like a conventional car but also take off vertically when needed.

The company’s development timeline includes a small-scale prototype in 2016, flight testing of a full-size structure in 2018 and a full-size prototype flight in 2019. The company formally adopted the Alef name in 2022.

Its planned vehicle is intended to combine road mobility with vertical take-off and flight, potentially offering an alternative to conventional transport. However, successful test flights do not necessarily mean the technology is ready for everyday use.

Alef still faces challenges involving aviation safety, regulatory approval, manufacturing costs and reliability under real-world conditions before it can bring the vehicle into widespread commercial use.

Dukhovny believes interest from a major player such as Tesla could draw more investment and public attention to flying-car technology. Competition between companies could also accelerate technological development and efforts to establish regulations for the emerging category of vehicles.

A costly road to commercialisation

Despite the excitement surrounding flying cars, several hurdles remain before they can become a practical option for daily commuting.

These include ensuring air safety, coordinating road and aviation regulations, training operators, maintaining vehicles and bringing prices within reach of ordinary consumers.