For as long as we can remember, flying cars have been nothing more than a part of science fiction. But going into 2024, what seems like a distant concept is turning into an actual reality—so much so that we can have cars flying around in just a year or two. We’re on the verge of an aerial revolution, one driven by constant advancements in technology and innovation.
Over the past few years, electric cars have become more and more popular, with brands like Tesla taking over the roads. And flying cars are arriving just in time for this trend. This article explores the various electric flying cars that are in development today, and what you can expect from them.
What to Expect in Electric Flying Cars
Vertical Takeoff and Landing
Just like helicopters, flying cars normally use a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) mechanism to get off and on the ground – no need for runways. This makes it easier to navigate and land in urban areas while offering a more efficient way of getting from point A to B. Why rely on congested roadways when you can very conveniently fly to your destination? With VTOL, you can also access remote or hard-to-reach areas that you can’t get to with an ordinary car.
Electric Propulsion
Another feature that defines an electric flying car is electric propulsion, with motors powered by batteries or fuel cells to generate flight. This allows for quieter operation and lower emissions. Electric flying cars are generally low-maintenance, too. Plus, they are more energy-efficient, which means you can cover longer distances at lower costs. With advances in battery technology, these flying marvels offer more endurance, power output, and sustainability.
Auto-Pilot Mode
Flying cars are practically airplanes – only on a smaller scale. And much like airplanes, they often feature auto-pilot or semi-auto-pilot modes with advanced sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms. These systems boost safety and reliability by minimizing the risk of human error and allowing for accurate control during flight. Autopilot also improves the flying experience. Drivers can relax and enjoy the flight without having to worry about manual piloting.
Advanced Cockpit
With fully electric flying cars, you can expect the cockpit to look like something out of the future. We’re talking about state-of-the-art avionics for safe and efficient operation. You’ll have high-tech screens displaying real-time data on flight parameters, navigation, and system status. Meanwhile, intuitive controls and interfaces simplify pilot interaction during flight. Other features include secondary displays for communication and connectivity.
Luxury Amenities
Being a high-end vehicle, electric flying cars are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Think heated seats, climate control systems, and noise-canceling technology – just to name a free. Premium materials and finishes also contribute to the upscale ambiance of the interior. Let’s not forget about smart in-flight entertainment systems with Wi-Fi, multimedia displays, and audio systems. And of course, a smart system wouldn’t be complete without a digital assistant like Siri or Alexa.
Sleek Design
An electric flying car will typically have a sleek design inside and out. A sleek exterior blends aerodynamics with aesthetic appeal to bring out the vehicle's futuristic nature. Streamlined fuselages, swept-back wings, and smooth contours optimize airflow and minimize drag. As for the interior, you’ll see clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and high-end materials that create a sense of sophistication. It’s all about blending elegant aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
Electric Flying Cars on Your Radar in 2024
1. ASKA A5
Price: $789,000
Release date: Prototype debut in 2023, expected delivery in 2026
The first all-electric flying car on our list is the ASKA A5. With more than five years in development, this beautiful 4-seater boasts a flight range of 250 miles and can go as fast as 150 mph. That’s about two hours from San Francisco to Los Angeles. In drive mode, the ASKA A5 is the size of an SUV and is perfectly roadworthy.
During flight, the wheels go inside the fuselage for better aerodynamics. Large wings allow the flying car to glide with minimal energy consumption and land safely. The car also comes with six independent motor systems, each with a battery power source of its own. Together with a ballistic parachute, this allows for a highly safe trip.
Thanks to its certification as a legal eVTOL vehicle, this FAA fully electric flying car has been available for pre-order since 2021. Let’s not forget to mention that full-scale prototype testing was a success and you can expect to see the ASKA A5 for yourself by late 2026.
2. Alef Model A
Price: $300,000
Release date: Unveiled in 2023, expected delivery in 2025
It was nearly a decade ago when the concept of the Alef Aeronautics electric flying car was drawn on a napkin at a cafe in Palo Alto, California. Fast forward just four years and a full-size prototype was flown. Ready to expand development beyond engineering, the company hired Hirash Razaghi, the former interior and exterior designer for Bugatti and Jaguar. The aim was to make the Alef Model A look like a sports car. In terms of specifications, it is a two-seater with a flight range of 110 miles. And in case you’re wondering, it has approval from the FAA and is already available for pre-order.
Formerly known as Armada, the California-based company eventually chose the name Alef—the first letter of the Arabic, Persian, and Aramaic alphabets. The team aims to have the car in the skies by 2025 with a projected price of $300,000.
3. Airbus CityAirbus NextGen
Price: To be determined
Release date: Debuted in early 2024, not available for pre-order yet
Brought to you by airline giant Airbus, the CityAirbus NextGen is a fully electric VTOL concept. This airborne 4-seater has an operational range of 50 miles and can reach a cruise speed of 75 mph. With fixed wings and a V-shaped tail, it looks more like an airplane from above. The concept includes a distributed propulsion system with eight electric-powered propellers. Plus, it’s Airbus, so you know they’re cooking up something special.
The company previously came up with two eVTOL demonstrators—Vahana and CityAirbus. Vahana, a single-seater, has flown more than 138 test flights. As for the CityAirbus demonstrator, it succeeded in over 242 tests and paved the way for the development of the CityAirbus NextGen. Unlike others on this list, however, the Airbus electric flying car doesn’t drive on land.
4. Doroni H1-X
Price: $350,000
Release date: Presented in 2024, estimated delivery by 2026
With a stunning futuristic design, the Doroni H1-X looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. This fully electric flying car offers semi-autonomous navigation as well as precision controls—lift-off has never been easier. The H1-X has a top speed of 120 mph and a flight time of 40 minutes. Back home, it fits perfectly in a two-car garage. You can also charge it at any EV charging station. Safety sensors and failsafes all around allow for a smooth trip while a 270-degree window provides panoramic views. A lightweight carbon fiber airframe guarantees efficiency and durability.
It’s safe to say that the Doroni H1-X is one of the best fully electric flying cars that will grace the skies. And by the way, preordering is already available on the website.
5. Samson Switchblade
Price: From $170,000
Release date: Initial design presentation in 2008, availability to be determined
What’s different about this two-seater, 3-wheel electric flying sports car is that it doesn’t use a VTOL system to take off. This means you actually need a runway. You simply drive to your local airport and hit the skies from there. The Samson Switchblade, which is available for reservation, reaches speeds of up to 200 mph and uses a Skybrid eclectic drive system.
As an Experimental Category aircraft, the Switchblade lets you take on a portion of the build. The Samson Builder Assist Program makes this process incredibly simple using a mostly automated and computer-driven system. Imagine the pride you get from participating in the creation of your flying car.
6. AeroHT Modular Flying Car
Price: To be determined
Release date: Presented in 2023
The AeroHT modular flying car consists of a ground module and an air module. The ground module, which carries and recharges the air module, is a 6-by-6 all-wheel-drive electric vehicle that provides a high load capacity and off-road performance. As for the eVTOL air module, it features a two-seater cockpit with a 270-degree panoramic window. It also comes with distributed electric propulsion for maximum safety. And with manual and automatic driving modes, the flying car is easy to operate.
The China-based company plans to have the modular flying car available for pre-ordering in late 2024. It also aims to kick off mass production and delivery in 2025. While the car is still a concept, it has already passed the R&D stage and is entering the preparation phase for mass production.
To Wrap Up
The movie Back to the Future predicted that flying cars would exist by 2015. We may be a decade late, but better late than never, right?
With a number of companies working miracles, give it a year and the skies will be filled with these aerial wonders. And now that you got to know about a number of electric flying cars, which one will you be buying?