Vertical Aerospace announced a long‑term partnership with Evolito, a UK‑based specialist in high‑performance electric propulsion, to supply electric propulsion units (EPUs) for its Valo eVTOL aircraft. The agreement, effective February 4 2026, will see Evolito deliver a single‑engine architecture that combines lightweight motors and DAL‑A‑approved power electronics, meeting the extended range, high‑performance and built‑in redundancy requirements for Valo’s 2028 certification target.
Evolito’s EPUs stand out because they integrate a 1.5‑kW motor with a 1.2‑kW power‑electronics module in a single, lightweight package that weighs less than 10 kg. The design also incorporates a modular redundancy scheme that allows the aircraft to maintain flight control with a single engine, a key safety feature for airliner‑level certification. By adopting Evolito’s technology, Vertical can reduce development risk, lower production costs, and accelerate the time‑to‑market for Valo.
The partnership includes a joint certification effort with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, with global regulator validation to follow. It also supports a hybrid‑electric variant of Valo that will use Evolito’s EPUs during cruise to extend range and reduce noise, with flight testing slated to begin in mid‑2026. This dual‑mode capability positions Valo to meet the growing demand for quiet, zero‑emission regional air transport while staying within the 100‑mile, 150‑mph operational envelope that the company targets for 2028.
Strategically, the deal aligns with Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 plan, which aims to deliver 150 aircraft and achieve cash break‑even by 2030. Securing a reliable propulsion supply chain and a proven, certification‑ready technology platform reduces the company’s exposure to supply‑chain disruptions and positions it ahead of competitors such as Lilium and Joby, who are still negotiating or developing their own propulsion solutions. The partnership also dovetails with Vertical’s battery‑as‑a‑service model, allowing the company to offer a complete power‑train solution that can be leased or sold to operators, creating a recurring revenue stream and enhancing customer flexibility.
David King, Chief Engineer at Vertical Aerospace, said the collaboration “is built on rigorous engineering and certification discipline. By partnering with Evolito, we can deliver a propulsion system that meets airliner‑level safety standards while remaining practical for commercial operations.” Chris Harris, CEO of Evolito, added that the company’s “high‑performance, lightweight EPUs are designed to meet the demanding requirements of aerospace, and we are excited to contribute to the success of Vertical’s aircraft.”
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