The Most Radical Flying Car Prototypes in Development

The dream of flying cars has captivated human imagination for over a century, from the futuristic illustrations of the 1950s to modern sci-fi blockbusters. While early attempts at vertical takeoff vehicles were often impractical, recent advancements in electric propulsion, autonomous navigation, and lightweight materials have brought us closer than ever to making flying cars a reality.

Today, numerous companies and startups are pushing the boundaries of aerodynamics, energy efficiency, and urban mobility with radical prototypes that challenge conventional transportation. Some resemble sleek sports cars with retractable wings, while others look like futuristic drones capable of carrying passengers. Below, we explore the most groundbreaking flying car concepts currently in development—vehicles that could redefine how we commute, travel, and experience the skies.

1. Alef Aeronautics Model A – The First FAA-Approved Flying Car

One of the most promising entries in the flying car race is the Alef Model A, the first vehicle of its kind to receive legal approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unlike traditional designs that require runways or vertical takeoff, the Alef Model A operates as both a street-legal car and a flying machine.

Its most radical feature? A mesh-like carbon fiber body that allows for distributed electric propulsion, meaning the entire structure acts as a wing when in flight. The car can take off vertically, transition to forward flight, and land like a conventional aircraft—all while maintaining a compact, roadworthy form.

With a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles, the Alef Model A could soon become the first commercially viable flying car when it launches in 2025.

2. ASKA A5 – The eVTOL That Drives Like a Car

The ASKA A5 is a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed for both road and air travel. What makes it unique is its foldable wing design, allowing it to function as a compact car on highways before transforming into a short-range aircraft.

Powered by a combination of batteries and a gasoline-powered range extender, the ASKA A5 can achieve a flight range of 250 miles, making it ideal for urban air mobility and regional travel. Its four-wheel drive system ensures smooth handling on roads, while its rotor-based lift system enables quiet, efficient takeoffs in urban environments.

Slated for certification by 2026, the ASKA A5 could become a game-changer for commuters looking to bypass traffic congestion with seamless air-to-ground transitions.

3. XPeng X2 – The Autonomous Flying Supercar

Chinese electric vehicle giant XPeng has entered the flying car market with the X2, a two-seater eVTOL designed for autonomous urban air mobility. Unlike many flying car concepts, the X2 does not have wheels—instead, it operates purely as an aircraft, taking off and landing vertically like a drone.

What makes the X2 radical is its AI-powered flight control system, which allows for fully autonomous operation. Passengers simply input their destination, and the vehicle handles the rest, navigating urban airspace with precision. Its lightweight carbon fiber frame and eight-rotor propulsion system ensure stability and efficiency, making it one of the most advanced personal air vehicles in development.

XPeng has already conducted successful test flights and aims to launch commercial operations by 2025, potentially revolutionizing short-distance air travel in megacities.

4. Terrafugia Transition – The Roadable Aircraft

One of the longest-running flying car projects, the Terrafugia Transition, has evolved significantly since its first prototype in 2009. Developed by a subsidiary of Volvo’s parent company, Geely, the Transition is a street-legal airplane that can convert between driving and flying modes in under a minute.

Its foldable wings and hybrid-electric propulsion system allow it to function as a compact car on roads before unfolding into a light aircraft for regional travel. With a flight range of 400 miles and a top speed of 100 mph, the Transition is designed for private pilots who want the convenience of driving to an airstrip without needing a separate vehicle.

Expected to enter production in the next few years, the Terrafugia Transition could become the first mass-produced flying car for personal use.

5. AirCar – The Flying Sports Car

Developed by Slovakian company Klein Vision, the AirCar is one of the most visually striking flying cars in development. Resembling a sleek sports car with deployable wings and a rear propeller, the AirCar successfully completed a 142-mile intercity flight between Nitra and Bratislava in 2021.

Powered by a BMW-derived combustion engine, the AirCar can reach speeds of up to 118 mph in the air and transition from car to aircraft in just two minutes and fifteen seconds. Unlike many eVTOLs, the AirCar requires a short runway for takeoff, making it more akin to a traditional airplane with road capabilities.

With plans for a hybrid-electric version in the works, the AirCar could soon offer a more sustainable alternative for regional air travel.

6. PAL-V Liberty – The Gyrocopter Flying Car

Dutch company PAL-V has taken a different approach with the Liberty, a three-wheeled vehicle that transforms into a gyrocopter. Unlike fixed-wing designs, the Liberty uses a rotating rotor for lift, making it more compact and easier to handle in confined spaces.

Its dual-engine system allows it to drive like a sports car on roads before switching to flight mode, where it can reach speeds of up to 112 mph. With a flight range of 310 miles, the PAL-V Liberty is aimed at private buyers looking for a versatile personal aircraft.

Having already received road certification in Europe, the Liberty is expected to begin deliveries soon, marking a major milestone in flying car commercialization.

7. Joby Aviation eVTOL – The Uber of the Skies

While not a traditional flying car, Joby Aviation’s eVTOL represents the future of urban air taxis. Designed for ride-sharing and short-hop commutes, this all-electric aircraft can carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph with a range of 150 miles.

What makes Joby’s design radical is its ultra-quiet operation, thanks to its distributed electric propulsion system. The company has partnered with Toyota and Uber to develop an aerial ridesharing network, potentially making flying cars a mainstream mode of transportation by the late 2020s.

The Future of Flying Cars

From autonomous eVTOLs to hybrid road-air vehicles, the race to develop the first commercially successful flying car is heating up. While regulatory hurdles and infrastructure challenges remain, these radical prototypes prove that personal air mobility is no longer a fantasy—it’s an imminent reality.

As battery technology improves and autonomous systems become more reliable, flying cars could soon transform urban transportation, reducing congestion and unlocking new possibilities for travel. Whether for daily commutes, emergency services, or recreational use, the sky may no longer be the limit—it could be the next highway.

Which of these flying car prototypes excites you the most? The future of transportation is taking off, and it’s going to be a thrilling ride.