Sarla Aviation unveils eVTOL flying-taxi prototype at Bharat Expo 2025

Bengaluru: Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation recently unveiled its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype, 'Shunya', at the Bharat Expo 2025 in Delhi.

Sarla Aviation aims to revolutionise urban transportation by offering flying taxis that operate at the same cost as traditional ride-hailing services, with routes connecting to and from airports.

'Shunya' boasts a top speed of 250 km/h and a range of up to 160 km, though it is optimised for trips between 20 to 30 km. The aircraft is designed for rapid turnaround, with a quick 20-minute charging time between back-to-back trips. It features four double-isolated battery packs that power seven electric motors.

The flying taxi can carry up to seven passengers, including the pilot, as well as luggage. In addition, it offers a cargo configuration with a payload capacity of 680 kg.

Sarla Aviation is also developing a dedicated ambulance version of 'Shunya' for fast medical response. The company plans to launch the flying taxi service within the next few years.