Industry Odisha Bureau, Jul 21: Marking a significant step towards urban air mobility and reducing travel times within cities by flying above road traffic, Chennai-based ePlane Company has reportedly announced that it has aimed to launch the country’s first ever electric air taxi in 2028 that could fly 110 km on a single charge.
As per media reports, “The ePlane Company has unveiled its first electric flying/air taxi protype PT-01 designed for emergency medical services, that can travel up to 110 km on a single charge, and is expected to begin ground testing next year (2027), while its commercial operations are targeted for 2028.”
Media reports quoting ePlane Company’s information also said that, “The PT-01’s compact size allows it to operate from existing hospital helipads and rooftops without extensive new infrastructure, while the electric aircraft weighs approximately 2.2 tonnes featuring multiple independent electric propellers for redundancy.”
Media reports also informed about another prototype named as “Shunya, developed by Sarla Aviation, that is an Indian aerospace company headquartered in Bengaluru, founded in October 2023. The company develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility in India. The company is named after Sarla Thakral, India’s first female pilot. As of December 2025, Sarla Aviation has commenced ground testing on a sub-scale demonstrator and plans commercial operations by 2028–2029.”
Media reports added, “Sarla Aviation’s Shunya can accommodate up to six passengers having a maximum payload of 680 kg, with 250 km/hr speed and can travel 200 km on a single charge, while a full recharge would take approximately 25 minutes. Shunya is equipped with six propellers for redundancy and features four double-isolated battery packs that power seven electric motors with quieter operation compared to traditional helicopters.”
