New Delhi, Chennai-based startup ePlane Company hopes to develop a certified prototype of a flying electric taxi by March next year as it works on ways to reduce urban congestion.
Based out of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, the company also aims to commercialize its drones that can carry a payload of 2 kg in the coming months, according to a senior executive.
Satya Chakraborty, founder and CEO of ePlane company, said that it is developing an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft and for starters, I would say a three or four-seater aircraft that can be converted into an AI ambulance.
“We hope to develop the first certified prototype by March next year,” Chakraborty said. “It will take a few more years to get certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).,
According to the startup's website, an e-plane will take only 14 minutes to reach a place where a private vehicle would take 60 minutes. The company's vision is to reduce congestion in urban locations with eVTOLs.
Additionally, the ePlane company is developing drones, which are expected to be commercially launched in the coming months.
Initially, it plans to bring a basic range and then an advanced range of drones.
Chakraborty said both sets of drones – with 2-6 kg payload and up to 50 kg payload – will be able to fly up to 40-60 kilometres.Meanwhile, InterGlobe Enterprises and US-based Archer Aviation plan to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India in 2026 that will ferry passengers from the national capital's Connaught Place to Haryana's Gurugram in a matter of minutes.
InterGlobe Enterprises is the parent of the country's largest airline IndiGo.
Archer Aviation will supply 200 eVTOL aircraft that can carry four passengers in addition to a pilot.
The European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) has drawn up regulations for EVTO aircraft.
“These electric air taxis offer faster intra-city travel without extensive ground infrastructure, potentially reducing congestion, noise and emissions.“Challenges such as safety concerns, regulatory difficulties and integration with existing transportation systems need to be further addressed and explored. Despite these challenges, depending on how safety issues and regulatory complexities are resolved, eVTOLs are expected to be the next 5 to 10 years.” may become a regular sight in urban skies within," according to the EASA website.
Based out of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, the company also aims to commercialize its drones that can carry a payload of 2 kg in the coming months, according to a senior executive.
Satya Chakraborty, founder and CEO of ePlane company, said that it is developing an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft and for starters, I would say a three or four-seater aircraft that can be converted into an AI ambulance.
“We hope to develop the first certified prototype by March next year,” Chakraborty said. “It will take a few more years to get certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).,
According to the startup's website, an e-plane will take only 14 minutes to reach a place where a private vehicle would take 60 minutes. The company's vision is to reduce congestion in urban locations with eVTOLs.
Additionally, the ePlane company is developing drones, which are expected to be commercially launched in the coming months.
Initially, it plans to bring a basic range and then an advanced range of drones.
Chakraborty said both sets of drones – with 2-6 kg payload and up to 50 kg payload – will be able to fly up to 40-60 kilometres.Meanwhile, InterGlobe Enterprises and US-based Archer Aviation plan to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India in 2026 that will ferry passengers from the national capital's Connaught Place to Haryana's Gurugram in a matter of minutes.
InterGlobe Enterprises is the parent of the country's largest airline IndiGo.
Archer Aviation will supply 200 eVTOL aircraft that can carry four passengers in addition to a pilot.
The European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) has drawn up regulations for EVTO aircraft.
“These electric air taxis offer faster intra-city travel without extensive ground infrastructure, potentially reducing congestion, noise and emissions.“Challenges such as safety concerns, regulatory difficulties and integration with existing transportation systems need to be further addressed and explored. Despite these challenges, depending on how safety issues and regulatory complexities are resolved, eVTOLs are expected to be the next 5 to 10 years.” may become a regular sight in urban skies within," according to the EASA website.
