Welcome to Digital Trends’ weekly roundup of the innovative technology that is transforming, connecting, and driving the next generation of electric vehicles.
Get ready, everyone — this week, we’re exploring the exciting prospect of flying electric cars potentially gracing U.S. roadways sooner than anticipated. But before we get lost in the skies, let’s return to the realities we face on the ground.
For those focused primarily on the technology behind the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, it has become difficult to overlook the political landscape surrounding it. This week features an escalating public feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump.
What does this conflict involve technology? A significant amount, actually. The tech behind Tesla’s Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD) features may soon be under regulatory scrutiny again: despite their advanced labels, these features still require driver attention, and they had been subject to rigorous examination by safety regulators prior to Trump’s election.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD. Important questions persist regarding FSD’s functionality in challenging environmental conditions, such as fog, sun glare, rain, and snow.
Musk, who contributed approximately $275 million to aid Trump’s election campaign, taking charge of a newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has raised eyebrows about his influence over the very regulators who oversee traffic safety and, consequently, Tesla.
Adding to this dynamic, the Trump administration acted on Musk’s suggestions and relaxed crash-reporting regulations that had been in place since 2021, facilitating the deployment of fully automated robotaxis.
This tussle occurs as Tesla is set to roll out its robotaxi pilot program in Texas shortly. While Trump is now threatening to withdraw billions in government contracts and subsidies from Musk’s ventures, it’s uncertain if he might compel the Department of Transportation to impose stricter regulations on Tesla. One thing is clear: Trump has consistently shown disdain for electric vehicles and is actively working to eliminate federal incentives for EV purchases. Notably, despite boasting about purchasing a bright red Tesla Model S earlier in March, Trump has now stated his intent to sell it.
On the Technology Front
Amid these developments, Tesla is still obligated to address information requests regarding the safety of its robotaxis from the NHTSA by July 1. Ultimately, it will all hinge on how well the technology performs.
Concerning Autopilot and FSD, Tesla has opted for more affordable navigation technology that relies on various onboard cameras to feed its AI machine-learning models. However, for challenging driving conditions, regulators have favored the pricier tech that combines pre-mapped streets with sensors, cameras, radar, and lidar (laser-based radar).
Waymo, the only robotaxi service currently operating in the U.S., along with Zoox, Amazon’s upcoming service, employs this integrated navigation technology.
For its robotaxis, rumors suggest Tesla has enhanced its autonomous driving capabilities using Hardware 4 (HW4), which incorporates radar sensors for improved environmental awareness.
Will this be sufficient for Tesla to persuade regulators, catch up with Waymo, or effectively compete with Zoox? Only time will tell.
Flying Cars
In our previous discussion, we noted the increasing consumer confidence in robotaxi technology; however, many people still seek more information before stepping into a self-driving vehicle.
But what about flying taxis? A recent survey conducted by Honeywell revealed that nearly all U.S. airline passengers, or 98%, would consider using a so-called electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) as part of their travel experience.
While much of the excitement surrounding flying electric vehicles has centered on air taxis—like Archer Aviation’s Midnight, which is expected to transport athletes during the 2028 LA Olympics, or Joby’s sleek air taxi backed by Toyota—one California startup has its sights set on something a bit more… driveable.
Introducing Alef Aeronautics, a Bay Area company aiming to redefine the “flying car” narrative. This week, Alef announced it has secured over 3,400 pre-orders for its electric flying vehicle, the Model A — and this isn’t just a concept stuck in a lab. Production could kick off by late 2025 or early next year.
On the ground, the Model A functions as a low-speed electric vehicle, featuring hub motors and, believe it or not, a real steering wheel. It can legally be driven on public roads at speeds up to 25 mph, fitting into an ordinary garage like any other EV. It brings a refreshing touch of the manual to an increasingly automated world.
However, when it’s time to take flight, that steering wheel is set aside. For vertical takeoff and aerial navigation, the Model A adapts into a drone-like craft. Its cabin pivots sideways to generate lift, while eight electric rotors—managed by a flight system and joystick—control its flight. No pedals, no yoke—just a joystick for maneuvering (or autopilot, should you choose).
The Model A has already secured regulatory approval for test flights.
While its $300,000 price tag may not be within everyone’s reach, Alef is clearly betting on a future where individuals no longer have to choose between driving and flying — they can enjoy the benefits of both.
