A New Rivalry Is Up In The Air
One of the most talked-about automotive developments was the unveiling of the next-generation Tesla Roadster, particularly when the EV demonstrated its SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters, which allowed it to soar into the air, flip midair over other Teslas, and land safely. Tesla CEO Elon Musk described that capability as “flying,” although some have called it a brief aerial maneuver.
Alef Aeronautics also appeared to take a jab at Musk’s claim. The California-based startup recently posted a video of its flying-car prototype on social media, showing it flying over several vehicles, including a Cybertruck and an original Roadster, with significantly longer airtime. It also sent a message to Tesla, welcoming the EV maker to the “flying car race,” where it has been for 11 years.
Welcome @Tesla and @elonmusk to the flying car race! We’ve been here for ELEVEN YEARS! pic.twitter.com/PBJTzK4NOS
— Alef (@AlefAeronautics) October 16, 2026
Different Ways To Get Airborne
Unlike the Tesla Roadster, which uses cold-gas thrusters, Alef’s prototype uses eight electric-powered propellers, similar to a drone. Its planned production vehicle, called the Model A, is claimed to have a 220-mile driving range and a 110-mile flying range. However, its use remains heavily restricted.
The FAA has already granted an Alef prototype a special airworthiness certificate, but flights are restricted to limited locations for exhibition, research, and development. Still, that can be considered one step closer to bringing flying cars to market. More importantly, at least in the emerging flying-car segment, that’s a certification Tesla has yet to secure for the Roadster.
While the Model A appears to be the more convincing flying-car concept right now, perhaps the Roadster has more tricks up its sleeve. During its long-awaited unveiling, the Roadster showcased a fan-based suction system similar in concept to the McMurtry Spéirling, allowing the EV to drive upside down on a Hot Wheels-like ramp. Of course, there’s also the electric powertrain most owners will use, which, when paired with cold-gas thrusters, enables a claimed 0-to-60 mph sprint in under 0.9 seconds. The invitation-only Rocket version is claimed to be even faster, at just 0.59 seconds.
The Sky’s Not The Limit
These projects may appeal to sci-fi fans, but as of this writing, they still face questions about regulatory approval, practical everyday use, safety, and commercial viability.
Tesla and Alef have also begun accepting reservations for their entries into the flying-car segment. The Roadster requires a $50,000 deposit for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. Meanwhile, the Model A is expected to start at around $300,000, with a much cheaper reservation deposit of $150 or $1,500 for a priority spot.
Alef Aeronautics
