The Chennai-based electric air taxi startup, ePlane Co., recently secured $14 million in a Series B funding round. This funding was co-led by Antares Ventures and Special Invest, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable transportation solutions. The company aims to conduct manned air taxi testing by mid-2025, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing urban travel.
ePlane’s vision is to bring flying cars into reality by offering an all-electric zero-emission air taxi. Their compact eVTOL aircraft is designed to tackle issues like traffic congestion and provide faster intra-city commutes. Founded by Professor Satya Chakravathy in 2019 and nurtured at IIT Madras, ePlane is now focused on obtaining global regulatory certifications, enhancing testing facilities, and expediting the commercialization of their eVTOL aircraft.
The recent announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding comprehensive training and pilot certification rules for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a significant development that will support the deployment of commercial air vehicles like those produced by ePlane. This move by the FAA demonstrates a commitment to advancing innovative transportation solutions and accommodating wide-scale AAM operations in the future.
Moreover, the collaboration between the U.S. and India in the aerospace sector is gaining momentum. Axiom Space, a U.S.-based startup, is exploring the use of Indian launch vehicles for its international space station mission, showcasing the potential for cross-border partnerships in the realm of aviation and space exploration.
In the competitive air taxi industry, ePlane faces competition from players like Sarla Aviation and FAA-certified Archer Aviation. Sarla Aviation aims to provide cost-effective and efficient air taxi services for intra-city travel, positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional transportation options like Uber cabs. On the other hand, Archer Aviation, backed by Boeing, is gearing up to launch its operations in India by 2026, with plans to collaborate with InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo airlines.
The successful funding round for ePlane underscores the growing interest and investment in sustainable urban transportation solutions. As the company continues to innovate and expand its operations, it is poised to play a significant role in reshaping the future of urban mobility. With a focus on regulatory compliance, testing, and commercialization, ePlane is on track to bring its vision of electric air taxis to life, offering a greener and more efficient mode of transportation for city dwellers.
