Anand Mahindra reveals India's first electric flying Taxi prototype, commends IIT Madras' innovation
- In Reports
- 03:35 PM, May 11, 2024
- Myind Staff
Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra, has revealed images of India's inaugural electric flying taxi prototype, representing a notable progression in the nation's pursuit of electric air transportation.
The prototype, crafted by the ePlane Company, an endeavour at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, is scheduled for operation by the upcoming year, spotlighting India's advancements in inventive transportation solutions.
Mahindra praised IIT Madras for its pivotal role as a dynamic hub of innovation, affirming, "IIT Madras has emerged as one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic incubators. With their contribution and the increasing number of ambitious incubators across India, our nation is shedding its image of lacking genuine innovators." His comments highlight India's growing stature as a global centre for pioneering technology and innovation.
The ePlane Company has developed the ePlane e200, a two-seater aircraft with a travel range of 200 kilometers, making it suitable for intra-city travel and cargo transport. It has a cruise speed of 160 kmph and a top speed of 200 kmph, offering the potential to notably decrease travel duration and ease urban traffic congestion.
Founded in 2017 at IIT Madras by aerospace engineering professor Satya Chakravarthy and his student Pranjal Mehta, the ePlane Company aims to transform urban transportation. Chakravarthy stated, "Our flagship product, the ePlane e200, is designed to facilitate up to 10 times faster intra-city travel and cargo transportation, with the goal of reducing on-road traffic congestion in cities."
He later stated that when fully charged, it has a range of up to 200 kilometres. "It is up to 10 times faster than road-based vehicles such as taxis, with a cruise speed of 160 kmph and a top speed of 200 kmph. It can accommodate two people, including a pilot, or 200 kg of luggage."
The unveiling of India's inaugural electric flying taxi prototype marks a significant achievement in the nation's quest for sustainable transportation solutions. Assisted by institutions such as IIT Madras and driven by visionary leaders like Anand Mahindra, India is positioned to take the lead in electric air mobility, establishing a precedent for innovation globally.
Image source: The Economic Times
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