The ePlane Company, a 2017 startup established at IIT-Madras, plans to build a commercial prototype of a flying taxi next year.

The ePlane Company, founded by IIT-Madras professor Satya Chakravarthy and IIT alumni Pranjal Mehta, is developing the first prototype of an electric flying taxi called the e200 that it hopes to sell by 2024.

The e200 is a two-seater plane with a maximum payload of 200 kilograms and a range of 200 kilometers. It can take off and land vertically. It features two-propeller sets. One pair permits it to take off vertically, while the other aids in forwarding motion.

“We’re now putting the e200 together. We’re nearing the end of the design phase and will begin manufacture soon “The ePlane Company’s co-founder and technology lead, Chakravarthy, stated. “The goal is to create the world’s smallest electric vehicles (flying taxis) so we can access building rooftops,” says the company “Added he.

According to reports in the media, the ePlane Company secured $5 million in pre-Series A financing led by Speciale Invest and Micelio earlier this year.

The company has developed a prototype of the e6, a small electric vertical take-off and landing (e TOL) aircraft that can carry a payload of 6 kilograms. It has an 80-kilometer range and is perfect for cargo hauling.

The ePlane Company is also developing the e50, a prototype that can carry 50kg of payload and is expected to be commercialized by 2023.
“At first, the regulatory landscape will most likely only allow for terrestrial landing locations.” Depending on the regulations, we might be able to gain access to rooftops,” Chakravarthy added.

Only twin-engine helicopters are now permitted to land on building rooftops, according to government regulations. The ePlane Company’s aircraft, like helicopters, can take off and land vertically. After completing the prototypes for e200, Chakravarthy said the company would look to complete certification processes and scout for landing spots. The airplane may be charged in the same way that electric vehicles are currently charged. It’s also compatible with flash charging.