• The ePlane Company, founded by IIT Madras’ Satya Chakravarthy, is developing India’s first compact electric air taxi, the e200x, aimed at reducing urban travel time by 85%.
  • Backed by a $14 million Series B round, ePlane plans to launch its air taxi by 2026, targeting global expansion into markets like Southeast Asia and Europe.

India is grappling with rising traffic congestion as private vehicle ownership surges and public transport usage declines. The country’s densely populated cities, characterized by narrow roads and limited parking, are particularly vulnerable to gridlock.

Acknowledging the need for innovative solutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hinted that air taxis could soon become a reality in India. In line with this vision, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has drafted guidelines for vertiports, paving the way for this new mode of transportation.

One company aiming to revolutionize urban transport is The ePlane Company, a startup founded in 2019 by Professor Satya Chakravarthy of IIT Madras. The company is developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, the e200x, following earlier success with unmanned drones designed for cargo and camera applications. Chakravarthy, who also co-founded space-tech startups like Agnikul and GalaxEye, brings a wealth of aerospace experience to the venture.

Unlike traditional air taxis with large wingspans of 12 to 16 meters, the e200x boasts a more compact design with an 8-meter wingspan, making it better suited for congested urban environments. According to Chakravarthy, the e200x can complete up to 60 short trips per day on a single charge, potentially reducing travel times by 85% at a cost slightly higher than a typical Uber ride.

“Our design allows for a more compact, efficient vehicle that can operate in tighter spaces while maintaining safety and reliability,” Chakravarthy explained.

To achieve this, ePlane employs a lift-plus-cruise configuration, blending a drone's vertical rotors with a traditional airplane's aerodynamic efficiency. This design, coupled with a proprietary technology called synergistic lift, allows for better performance during vertical takeoff and forward flight.

Currently, ePlane manufactures key aircraft components at IIT Madras, including airframes, seats, and propellers, while outsourcing battery cells and assembling them in-house. The startup plans to commercialize the e200x by 2026, with a prototype expected in 2025.

Backed by a $14 million Series B funding round, the company is valued at $46 million and is eyeing global expansion into markets like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

"We believe that what’s good for India will ultimately benefit the world," said Chakravarthy.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah