The ePlane Company Sets 2028 Goal for Commercial Production, Aims to Build 80 Aircraft Annually.

Chennai-based The ePlane Company, an electric aircraft start-up incubated at IIT Madras, is aiming to begin commercial production of its air ambulance electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2028, with an initial manufacturing capacity of about 80 aircraft annually.

The company has completed its first full-scale air ambulance prototype and has commenced ground testing, according to founder Satya Chakravarthy. Speaking to businessline, Chakravarthy said flight tests are expected to begin between July and August.

“We have already begun work on the second prototype and expect to secure full certification of the aircraft by the end of 2027,” he said.

Currently, the start-up manufactures prototypes at its facility located within IIT Madras’ Discovery Campus. However, Chakravarthy said the company plans to establish a dedicated production facility or partner with an established manufacturer once the second prototype enters the certification phase.

The planned scale-up is expected to support the company's goal of bringing its air ambulance eVTOLs to market by 2028, marking a significant step in India's emerging electric aviation sector.