India is about to become one of the few nations globally to introduce on-road vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air ambulances. In a deal worth over $1 billion, IIT-Madras-based electric aircraft startup, ePlane Company, will supply 788 eVTOL air ambulances to ICATT, India’s leading air ambulance firm. The aim is to deploy these aircraft across every district in the country, addressing the growing demand for urgent medical transportation.
Significance of eVTOL Air Ambulances
As Indian cities and towns face increasing traffic congestion, the eVTOL air ambulances will provide crucial services, including emergency medical transport. The deal’s significance lies in the fact that these electric vehicles will not only help reduce traffic issues but also ensure minimal environmental impact.
These eVTOLs, designed for vertical take-off and landing, will begin operations by 2026, with a focus on providing essential services. By being electric, they ensure cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transportation. The air ambulances are specifically designed to cater to medical emergencies, offering a faster and more efficient solution for critical care.
eVTOL Market Growth in India
India’s eVTOL market has gained considerable attention in recent years, with the government exploring ways to ease airspace regulations for transportation and delivery services. The rise of electric aircraft, especially for air taxis and air ambulances, aligns with India’s evolving infrastructure needs.
Archer Aviation, Sarla Aviation, and ePlane Company are some of the prominent startups working in the eVTOL space in India. In addition to air ambulances, companies like Uber are developing prototypes for air taxi services, which could help commuters avoid traffic congestion in major cities.
ePlane Company’s Vision
ePlane Company aims to begin air ambulance operations by the last quarter of 2026, with a production goal of 100 units per year. Founded by Satya Chakravarthy, a professor at IIT-Madras, the company has raised $20 million from investors. Chakravarthy’s long-term vision is to revolutionize emergency medical transport across India using electric aircraft.
The company is currently working on three different prototypes of air ambulances, tailored for various geographic and demographic requirements. These eVTOLs will accommodate a pilot, a paramedic, a patient, and a stretcher, along with life-saving medical equipment. The air ambulances are designed for speeds up to 200 km/h, with a range of 110 to 200 kilometers per battery charge.
Future Plans and Funding
While the billion-dollar deal for air ambulances has been secured, ePlane Company is now seeking an additional $100 million to scale up production, manufacture and test other eVTOL aircraft, and obtain necessary certifications.
Chakravarthy believes that air ambulances can be scaled more efficiently than air taxis, stating, “We can ramp up our production and put things into the market much more effectively with an air ambulance than with an air taxi.”
The Road Ahead
By 2026, ePlane Company plans to have air ambulances operating across India. The next phase will involve expanding into other regions with a focus on delivering medical services swiftly and safely. With growing interest in electric aircraft, India’s eVTOL market is set for an exciting future, offering not just a solution to traffic woes but a revolutionary approach to emergency medical transport.
