ePlane Company Unveils India's First Electric Air-Taxi Prototype

Ubifly Technologies Private Limited unveiled India's first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype in Chennai. The 2,000-kg air-taxi is designed to transport one pilot and two passengers with a flight range of 100 km on a single charge. To ensure safety during single-engine failures, the aircraft employs a lift-plus-cruise architecture with fixed propellers.

The company intends to finish flight testing by the end of 2027 and launch commercial services in 2028. Management is targeting niche applications, including airport connectivity and air ambulance services. This strategic focus avoids the high-range vehicle market in favor of compact urban mobility.

Financially, the startup is closing a $17 million investment tranche toward a $30 million funding target. The Government of India is expected to provide matching funds through its Research, Development and Innovation Fund. The project was developed by the ePlane Company, which was incubated at IIT Madras.