Vertical selects Evolito as electric propulsion partner for Valo eVTOL
Vertical Aerospace has selected an engine supplier for its Valo eVTOL aircraft, confirming today that Evolito is its…
February 5, 2026
Vertical Aerospace has selected an engine supplier for its Valo eVTOL aircraft, confirming today that Evolito is its long-term supplier of electric propulsion units (EPUs).
Unlike many supplier announcements in the advanced air mobility sector, this agreement is explicitly tied to type certification, with Vertical and Evolito committing to jointly certify the propulsion system with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, followed by concurrent validation with EASA.
That approach aligns directly with Vertical’s stated ambition to certify Valo to safety standards comparable to large commercial aircraft, with entry into service targeted for 2028.
Evolito now joins Honeywell, Syensqo, and Aciturri as a core supplier on the programme, reinforcing Vertical’s strategy of working with established, certification-capable partners rather than relying on bespoke or experimental solutions.
“Vertical is taking a rigorous, certification-led approach to electric aviation, and we’re proud to support that journey,” says Dave Shilliday, Vice President & General Manager, Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell Aerospace. “Valo reflects the kind of disciplined engineering and long-term thinking required to bring electric flight into real-world service.”
Why Vertical selected Evolito as its engine supplier for the Valo eVTOL
Evolito’s appeal lies less in novelty and more in engineering discipline. The company specialises in axial-flux electric motors and fully integrated EPUs that combine lightweight motors with high-integrity, DAL-A power electronics in a single certified unit.
eVTOL aircraft need a propulsion system that delivers high torque, redundancy and fault tolerance, while also remaining as lightweight as possible. Evolito’s EPU architecture is designed to deliver all that and more, with transport category-level safety to ease certification hurdles.
“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,” says David King, Chief Engineer, Vertical Aerospace. “It’s a partnership built around getting the fundamentals right.”
Crucially, Evolito already holds CAA Design Organisation Approval, allowing it to design and approve safety-critical systems within a recognised regulatory framework. For an OEM pursuing certification rather than demonstration flights, this significantly reduces programme risk and certification burden.
Evolito emerges as a key supplier in the AAM sector
Vertical is not Evolito’s only high-profile customer. The propulsion specialist has quietly built a growing footprint across the advanced air mobility and hybrid-electric aviation landscape.
Evolito has been selected to supply electric propulsion systems for Electra’s EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, which uses distributed electric propulsion to achieve ultra-short take-off and landing performance. It has also secured a contract with Flying Whales to provide electric motors for its LCA60T heavy-lift cargo airship.
These programmes span eVTOL, hybrid-electric fixed-wing aircraft, and large airships, highlighting Evolito’s flexibility and reinforcing its position as a propulsion supplier capable of supporting multiple certification-driven platforms rather than one-off demonstrators.
“Our engines are designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace,” says Chris Harris, CEO of Evolito, “and we’re excited to contribute to the success of Vertical’s aircraft with propulsion systems that deliver unmatched performance and efficiency.”
What’s next for Vertical Aerospace and its Valo eVTOL?
With a propulsion partner now locked in, Vertical’s focus shifts to execution. The immediate priorities are detailed system integration, propulsion certification planning with the CAA, and preparation for concurrent EASA validation.
In parallel, Vertical is advancing a hybrid-electric variant of Valo, designed to offer greater range and mission flexibility. That aircraft is scheduled to begin flight testing in mid-2026, using Evolito’s EPUs as part of the hybrid powertrain.
The supplier selection also supports Vertical’s broader industrial roadmap, which includes scaling manufacturing capability, advancing powertrain leadership, and progressing from prototype aircraft toward production-representative builds.
While challenges remain, particularly around certification timelines and production readiness, the Evolito partnership represents one of the clearest signals yet that Vertical is attempting to move Valo from ambition to certifiable reality.
Featured image: Vertical Aerospace
