Alef Aeronautics' Model A, a flying car inspired by the iconic film Back to the Future, is set to become a reality within the next two years. With 2,800 pre-orders already in place, the Model A is almost ready for production. The electric car, which measures 17ft in length, has a mesh body with a rotating central cabin and can be driven for 200 miles or flown for 110 miles. A prototype of the vehicle impressed crowds at the Detroit Auto Show, one of the largest car industry events in the US.

Close to the finishing line

According to Alef founder and CEO Jim Dukhovny, the Model A is very close to its final consumer version. Dukhovny hopes that the first Model A, priced at £236,000, will be completed by the end of 2025. The initial concept for the vehicle was sketched out on a napkin in 2015, the same year featured in the iconic Back to the Future film. Once in flight, the Model A's chassis turns sideways while the cabin remains gimballed and forward-facing for stability.

Flying above obstacles

The Model A is capable of taking off vertically and flying above obstacles until it reaches its desired destination. With US government approval for test flights, Alef Aeronautics is one step closer to making their flying car a reality. FAA certification was received earlier this year, leading Dukhovny to express his excitement about bringing people a faster and eco-friendly commute, potentially saving individuals and companies hours each week. "This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars," he said.