Chennai-based startup ePlane Company, born out of the incubation facilities of IIT-Madras, is gearing up to disrupt urban transport with the development of a certifiable prototype of an electric air taxi by March 2025.
The company’s ambitious endeavour aims to address urban congestion and offer swift aerial mobility solutions to commuters. The ePlane Company, with a vision to commercialise its innovative drones in the near future, boasts a payload capacity of 206 kg for its aerial vehicles. These drones are poised to revolutionise urban travel, with the promise of reducing travel time significantly. According to the company’s claims, an ePlane will cover distances in just 14 minutes that typically take an hour by conventional means.
Initially, the company plans to launch drones with basic features, followed by an enhanced category. These drones, categorised based on payload capacity ranging from 2-6 kg and up to 50 kg, will be capable of flying distances of 40-60 km. This strategic approach aligns with the company’s goal of offering scalable and adaptable solutions to meet diverse urban mobility needs. However, amidst ePlane Company’s ambitious plans, notable developments in the electric air taxi space have emerged. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of Indigo, in collaboration with US-based Archer Aviation, has announced plans to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. This service aims to connect Connaught Place to Gurugram in just seven minutes, further intensifying competition and innovation in the urban air mobility sector. As ePlane Company progresses towards its goal of developing electric air taxis, it signifies a promising step forward in India’s journey towards sustainable and efficient urban transportation solutions. With the convergence of technological advancements and entrepreneurial spirit, the future of urban mobility is poised for transformative change.
