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Evolito has entered into a long-term partnership to supply electric propulsion units for Vertical Aerospace’s commercial eVTOL aircraft, Valo.
Under the terms of the agreement, Evolito will provide a unique architecture featuring lightweight, efficient electric motors and high-integrity DAL-A power electronics integrated into a single electric engine. This hardware is designed to provide the extended range, performance, and built-in redundancy necessary for Valo to meet safety standards equivalent to large commercial airliners.
The two companies intend to jointly certify these electric engines with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), alongside concurrent validation with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Evolito already holds CAA Design Organisation Approval, which serves as a prerequisite for UK type certification and subsequent commercial operations.
In addition to the primary battery-electric model, Vertical is developing a hybrid-electric variant intended to offer increased mission flexibility. This platform will also integrate Evolito’s propulsion technology, with flight testing for the hybrid-electric variant scheduled to commence in mid-2026.
David King, Chief Engineer, Vertical Aerospace, commented, “Vertical’s approach to Valo is grounded in rigorous engineering and certification discipline. Our collaboration is centred on delivering a propulsion system that provides the performance, redundancy and reliability required for airliner-level safety standards, while remaining practical for commercial operations. It’s a partnership built around getting the fundamentals right.”
Evolito, which was spun out of axial-flux motor pioneer YASA in 2021, joins a supplier network for the Valo program that includes Honeywell, Syensqo, and Aciturri. The partnership is supported by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), part of a broader government initiative to invest £2.3 billion into cleaner aerospace innovation over the next decade.
Chris Harris, CEO of Evolito, stated, “We’re thrilled to be working with Vertical Aerospace, a company that shares our vision for a cleaner, more connected future. Our engines are designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace, and we’re excited to contribute to the success of Vertical’s aircraft with propulsion systems that deliver unmatched performance and efficiency.”
Industry Minister Chris McDonald noted the significance of the collaboration for the regional sector, “This is a welcome win for Britain’s world-class aerospace sector, which will help us stay at the cutting edge of innovation and continue leading the way on zero emission flight. We’re backing companies like Vertical and Evolito with support through our modern Industrial Strategy and the Aerospace Technology Institute, while the CAA’s world-leading regulation is helping the industry soar and create good jobs right across the country.”
Vertical Aerospace recently appointed Richard Moore as Vice President of Powertrain to oversee these technical advancements as the company moves toward industrialization and its targeted 2028 commercial debut.
Dave Shilliday, Vice President & General Manager, Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell Aerospace, added: “Vertical is taking a rigorous, certification-led approach to electric aviation, and we’re proud to support that journey. Valo reflects the kind of disciplined engineering and long-term thinking required to bring electric flight into real-world service, and we will continue to work closely with the Vertical team and their partners as the programme progresses toward certification.”
