Chennai-based start-up to develop electric air taxi by March 2025
What's the story
Chennai-based start-up, The ePlane Company, is planning to develop a certifiable prototype of an electric air taxi by March 2025. The firm, incubated at the IIT Madras, is committed to devising innovative solutions to alleviate urban traffic congestion. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder and CEO of The ePlane Company, stated that they anticipate having the first certifiable prototype ready by March next year.
Certification journey
Primary focus is on creating an eVTOL
Following the development of the prototype, Chakravarthy stated that it would take an additional couple of years to secure certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The ePlane Company's primary focus is on creating an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Initially designed as a three or four-seater plane, there are plans to potentially repurpose it into an air ambulance. An eVTOL could significantly reduce travel time, and alleviate urban congestion.
Product
New drones set for release soon
The ePlane Company is also developing drones that are expected to be available in the market soon. Chakravarthy revealed that the initial release will include a basic category of drones, followed by an enhanced one. Both categories of drones, capable of carrying payloads ranging from 2-6kg and up to 50kg, will have a flight range of 40-60km.
Plans
Archer Aviation to introduce all-electric air taxi service
In related news, InterGlobe Enterprises (parenet company of IndiGo) and US-based Archer Aviation, plan to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. Archer Aviation is set to provide 200 eVTOL aircraft for this service, each capable of accommodating four passengers along with a pilot. The service will transport passengers from Connaught Place, Delhi to Gurugram in a mere seven minutes.