In the bustling metropolis of Chennai, a groundbreaking venture is poised to redefine urban transportation. The ePlane Company, incubated at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), is spearheading the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as flying taxis.
With a mission to alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility, ePlane is on the cusp of transforming how we navigate our cities.
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Who are the founder of this futuristic startup
The ePlane Company was founded in 2019 by Professor Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, an esteemed faculty member of IIT Madras’s Department of Aerospace Engineering. With over two decades of experience, Professor Chakravarthy has been instrumental in advancing combustion research and has co-founded several deep-tech startups, including Agnikul Cosmos and Aerostrovilos Energy.
His vision for ePlane is to make flying a ubiquitous mode of urban transport, thereby reducing the strain on ground infrastructure and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional commuting methods.
The e200: A leap forward in urban air mobility
At the heart of ePlane’s innovation is the e200, a compact, two-seater eVTOL aircraft designed for intra-city commutes and cargo transport. Measuring approximately 5 meters in length and width—comparable to two adjacent cars—the e200 is engineered to operate from rooftops, eliminating the need for extensive infrastructure. This design facilitates quick boarding and deboarding, making it an efficient solution for urban environments.
Key specifications
Range: Capable of covering distances up to 200 kilometers on a single charge, making it suitable for various urban and suburban routes.
Speed: Designed to cruise at speeds of up to 200 km/h, significantly reducing travel times compared to ground transportation.
Payload Capacity: Accommodates two passengers or up to 200 kilograms of cargo, offering versatility for different use cases.
Sustainability: Powered by electric propulsion, the e200 aims to minimize environmental impact, contributing to cleaner urban air quality.
Regulatory milestones
The ePlane Company, incubated at IIT Madras, has become the first private Indian firm to receive formal acceptance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Type Certification of its eVTOL aircraft, the e200X.
This milestone marks India’s entry into eVTOL certification, positioning the country as a leader in advanced air mobility. Over 18 months, the e200X underwent rigorous evaluations, meeting the DGCA’s stringent safety and operational standards for scalable eVTOL operations.
This achievement establishes a solid foundation for regulatory frameworks that will support urban air mobility in India, paving the way for a transformative era in aviation.
Back In May 2023, the ePlane Company achieved a significant milestone by receiving the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This approval is a crucial first step in the aircraft certification process, paving the way for the commercial production of the e200. The DGCA’s endorsement underscores ePlane’s commitment to adhering to stringent safety and operational standards, bringing the vision of urban air mobility closer to reality.
Funding and growth trajectory
Demonstrating strong investor confidence, The ePlane Company secured $14 million in a funding round co-led by Speciale Invest and Antares Ventures in November 2024. This infusion of capital is earmarked for obtaining global regulatory certifications and accelerating the commercialization of the e200. The company plans to commence manned flight testing by mid-2025, marking a pivotal step toward launching its services.
To bolster its technological capabilities, ePlane has entered into a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This collaboration aims to leverage TCS’s expertise in software development and systems integration, enhancing the overall functionality and reliability of ePlane’s aircraft systems.
When can you take a ride and the key takeaway
The ePlane Company envisions a future where urban air mobility is an integral part of daily life, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient mode of transportation. By 2026, the company aims to launch its eVTOL services, with an ambitious goal of facilitating over 500,000 passenger trips daily within three years of operation.
Beyond India, ePlane plans to expand its footprint to regions including the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, parts of Africa, and the United States, positioning itself as a global leader in the urban air mobility sector.
The ePlane Company’s pioneering efforts in developing compact, efficient, and sustainable eVTOL aircraft position it at the forefront of the urban air mobility revolution. With a clear vision, robust technological foundation, and strategic partnerships, ePlane is well-equipped to transform urban transportation, making the dream of flying taxis a tangible reality in the near future.
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