Sarla Aviation Introduces India’s First eVTOL Air Taxi, ‘Shunya’

Sarla Aviation Unveils India’s First eVTOL ‘Shunya’

Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has introduced ‘Shunya,’ India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype. This innovation represents a major step forward in urban air mobility, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pollution in Indian cities.

Key Features of ‘Shunya’

• Design and Capacity: Designed for short trips of 20-30 kilometers, ‘Shunya’ can carry up to six passengers with a maximum payload of 680 kg, making it the highest payload eVTOL in its category.

• Speed and Efficiency: Capable of reaching speeds up to 250 km/h, it offers a faster alternative to traditional ground transport.

• Environmental Impact: As an electric vehicle, ‘Shunya aims to provide an eco-friendly and sustainable solution, supporting India’s vision for smart and sustainable urban living.

Launch Plans and Expansion

• Initial Launch: Sarla Aviation plans to roll out ‘Shunya’ in Bengaluru by 2028, focusing on addressing the city’s traffic problems.
• Future Expansion: After Bengaluru, the company plans to extend services to other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

Strategic Partnerships

• Sona SPEED Collaboration: Sarla has teamed up with Sona SPEED, a precision manufacturing firm, to design and produce essential components like motors and landing gear for Shunya.’ Sona SPEED brings expertise from its past collaborations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Future Services

• Air Ambulance Initiative: Alongside passenger transport, Sarla Aviation plans to offer a free air ambulance service to improve medical emergency response in urban areas.