Indian electric aircraft startup The ePlane Company has secured a non-binding agreement to supply 788 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air ambulances to ICATT, a leading air ambulance service provider. The deal, valued at over $1 billion, is expected to revolutionize emergency medical services across all districts in India, providing fast and efficient air evacuation amid growing urban traffic congestion.
Transforming Emergency Medical Services with eVTOL Technology
eVTOL aircraft, which take off and land vertically, are being developed worldwide to enhance urban air mobility. The ePlane Company’s aircraft will have an initial range of 110 km, which is expected to be extended beyond 200 km in future iterations. These air ambulances will be deployed in both rural and urban areas, providing critical care transport in record time.
Founder Satya Chakravarthy, an IIT Madras professor and incubator of ePlane, stated that the company’s initial focus on air ambulances rather than commercial air taxis allows for a more seamless production ramp-up. “We can put things into the market much more effectively with an air ambulance than directly going to an air taxi,” he told Reuters.
Production Scale and Future Growth
ePlane plans to begin commercial operations by 2026, with an initial production capacity of 100 units per year. The startup has so far raised $20 million from investors and is currently developing three prototypes of the air ambulance, which will accommodate a pilot, a paramedic, a patient, and a stretcher.
To achieve type certification and begin full-scale production, ePlane is seeking an additional $100 million in funding. The company is also exploring other commercial applications of its eVTOL technology, including urban transport and cargo delivery.
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India’s eVTOL Market Gains Momentum
India’s nascent eVTOL market is witnessing increased interest, with companies like Archer Aviation and Sarla Aviation entering the sector. As India pushes for sustainable and high-efficiency transportation solutions, ePlane’s agreement with ICATT positions it as a pioneer in India’s electric aviation sector. If successful, the deployment of these air ambulances could serve as a proof of concept for broader adoption of eVTOL aircraft for urban mobility.