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| - Fact Check: Post Claiming Elon Musk Unveiling Flying Tesla Prototype Is Fake, Viral Picture Is Edited
Vishvas News’ investigation confirmed that the viral image is not original but has been edited. Additionally, the claim that Elon Musk has launched a flying Tesla prototype is false. However, on February 25, 2025 Elef Aeronautics, a California-based company, did release footage of its flying car model.
By: Umam Noor
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Published: Mar 4, 2025 at 12:02 PM
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New Delhi (Vishvas News). A collage of two photos is going viral on social media, showing Elon Musk standing next to vehicles that appear floating in the air. Users sharing the image claim that Elon Musk has unveiled and launched the world’s first flying Tesla prototype.
However, Vishvas News’ investigation revealed that the viral photo is digitally created using AI and not real. Additionally, the claim that Elon Musk has launched a flying Tesla prototype is also false. However, on February 25, 2025, a California-based company, Elef Aeronautics, did release footage of a flying car model.
What is in the viral post?
A Facebook user shared the viral post with the caption, “Elon Musk unveiled the world’s first flying Tesla prototype. A revolution that stunned the world.”
You can view the archived version of the post here.
Investigation
To begin our investigation, we used Google Lens to search for the first image but found no trace of it on any credible news website or social media account. Narrowing our search, we cropped the image to focus on Elon Musk. This led us to an article published on the DailyMail.co.uk website on September 11, 2020. According to the article, the image was taken in Berlin, Germany.
A closer inspection revealed that the image of Elon Musk in the viral post matches the one from the ‘Daily Mail’ article.
Next, we searched for the second image in the viral post but found no reliable sources or websites publishing it.
Continuing our investigation, we looked for information about Elon Musk’s alleged flying Tesla prototype launch but found no credible evidence or reports supporting this claim.
During our news search, we came across an Economic Times article dated February 25, 2025, which reported, ”A flying car that seemed like a dream from science fiction has now become reality. Alef Aeronautics, a California-based company, has successfully tested its roadworthy flying car, releasing a video that showcases the momentous achievement. The footage shows the Model Zero prototype driving like a regular car before lifting off vertically and soaring over another vehicle. The futuristic vehicle, priced at $300,000 (approximately ₹2.5 crore), functions both as a car and an aircraft.”
To verify the viral post further, we contacted Karan Rawat, an auto news producer from our partner Jagran New Media. After reviewing the viral post, he confirmed that the claim about Elon Musk launching a flying car is false. He added that if Musk were to pursue such a project, it would likely be through SpaceX, not Tesla.
Lastly, we examined the Facebook account of the user who shared the fake post and found that the user is based in Pakistan and has 51000 followers.
Conclusion: Vishvas News’ investigation confirmed that the viral image is not original but has been edited. Additionally, the claim that Elon Musk has launched a flying Tesla prototype is false. However, on February 25, 2025 Elef Aeronautics, a California-based company, did release footage of its flying car model.
Claim Review : Elon Musk has unveiled the world's first flying Tesla prototype.
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Claimed By : FB User- Nasar Iqbal Sardar Khan Official-Page
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Fact Check : False
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