ePlane Company Targets Commercial Production by 2028

The ePlane Company, incubated at IIT Madras, has completed assembly of its full-scale electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the e200X prototype (PT-01), in Chennai. The prototype has entered the ground testing phase, and the company has set commercial production for 2028 with an initial output of 80 aircraft a year.

eVTOL Aircraft

Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, use electric propulsion and can take off and land vertically. The e200X is designed as a multi-role platform for air ambulance services, air taxi operations, and urban cargo transport.

Certification and Production Plan

The company aims to secure certification for the air ambulance variant in the early second half of 2027 through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Air taxi and cargo versions are planned for certification before the end of 2027, followed by international validation.

Commercial Deal and Funding

In February 2025, the company signed a deal valued at over USD 1 billion to supply 788 air ambulances to ICATT. Deliveries under this agreement are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028. The company was also planning a Series C funding round of USD 40 million to USD 50 million, with Speciale Invest expected to co-lead. The company has raised approximately USD 21 million for its eVTOL programme.

Important Facts for Exams

• IIT Madras is one of India’s premier engineering institutions and has incubated several technology start-ups.
• DGCA stands for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which regulates civil aviation in India.
• eVTOL is a category of aircraft associated with urban air mobility and short-range transport.
• ICATT is associated with air ambulance services in India.

Aircraft Platform

The e200X is a full-scale prototype identified as PT-01. The aircraft is intended to serve passenger transport, cargo movement, and emergency medical evacuation roles.