Sarla Aviation unveils ‘Shunya’ eVTOL electric air tax prototype
Sarla Aviation Shunya is an eVTOL aircraft that is designed for short 20-30 km commutes in congested urban environments.
Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Sarla Aviation has made public a prototype of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying taxi ‘Shunya’ at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo that is currently underway.
The company has also announced that it will introduce electric flying taxis in Bangalore by 2028. Targeting urban transportation in a unique way, the air taxi service will be further extended to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and other congested cities eventually in the later years.
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The first protype of the startup ‘Shunya’ can accommodate up to six passengers, with a maximum payload capacity of 680 kgs. This makes the flying taxi the eVTOL with the highest payload rating in the Indian market as of now.
Further, the air taxi can achieve a top speed of 250 kmph. It is optimized for short trips of 20-30 km, making its application best suited for congested urban areas to reduce travel time and costs. The air taxi will be completely zero-emission, powered by battery packs.
Interestingly, the startup wants to make its product and services cost effective. Their plan it to offer rides at prices similar to premium cab services in the initial phase. The company claims that its goal is to eventually make air taxis fares affordable as auto-rickshaw rides! However utopian this may sound, their idea is simply to make urban air mobility accessible to the masses.
Founded in 2023, the startup is named after India’s first woman pilot, Sarla Thukral. The company aims to deliver affordable and sustainable eVTOL aircrafts, targeting local urban commutation in the new era of mobility.
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Moreover, Sarla Aviation has already partnered with Bengaluru International Airport to facilitate the rollout of its services and provide affordable air transport solutions in the country. The company has recently secured $10 million in Series A1 funding drive. This is expected to accelerate the company’s R&D by establishing a state-of-the-art center.
