Anand Mahindra, the chairman of the Mahindra Group, has hinted that India is likely to receive its first electric air taxi next year.
In a post on X, Mahindra said: “The eplane company. A company being set up at IIT Madras to build a flying electric taxi sometime next year.”
He noted, “IIT Madras has become one of the most exciting and active incubators in the world. Thanks to them and the rapidly growing number of ambitious incubators across India, we are no longer seen as a country lacking true innovators.”
He added: “Bold ambitions are important. Don't accept boundaries.”
Also read: Archer joins IndiGo, a ride-hailing app to expand the reach of electric air taxis
Earlier in April PTI reported that the ePlane Company, a startup based in Chennai, is set to develop a certified prototype of a flying electric taxi by March next year to tackle urban congestion problems.
Based at IIT, Madras, the company is also focusing on commercializing its drones, which can carry a payload of 2 to 6 kilograms, in the near future, a senior executive said.
This was stated by the founder and CEO of ePlane Company, Satya Chakravarthy PTI that it is developing an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and will initially be a three- or four-seat aircraft that can be converted into an air ambulance.
“We expect to develop the first certifiable prototype in March next year. It will take a few more years to get the certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),” Chakravarthy said. PTI.
Also read: Watch | Traffic jams are a thing of the past; this city in the UAE will have the first 'air taxi' services by 2026
According to information from the startup's website, an ePlane will reduce travel time by personal vehicle from 60 minutes to just 14 minutes. The company's overarching goal is to reduce congestion in urban areas using eVTOLs.
(With inputs from PTI)
Unlock a world of benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time inventory tracking, breaking news and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! Log in now!
Check out all the technology news and updates on DailyExpertNews. .
More or less
Published: May 13, 2024 2:07 PM IST
