This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.

Vertical Aerospace Selects Evolito to Power Valo eVTOL

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially announced the selection of Evolito as the electric propulsion unit (EPU) partner for its flagship aircraft, Valo. The agreement marks a critical milestone for the Bristol-based manufacturers as it moves toward a targeted certification date in 2028. Under the terms of the partnership, Evolito will supply the axial-flux electric motors and controller units necessary to power the piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

This selection concludes a strategic search for a new propulsion supplier following the termination of Vertical’s previous agreement with Rolls-Royce in May 2024. By partnering with Evolito, a company spun out of YASA Motors in 2021, Vertical Aerospace is betting on lightweight, high-torque technology derived from the automotive sector to meet the rigorous demands of commercial electric flight.

Partnership Details and Technical Specifications

According to the company’s announcement, the Valo aircraft will utilize eight individual electric propulsion units provided by Evolito. These units are based on proprietary axial-flux technology, a design known for offering higher torque densities and a smaller form factor compared to traditional radial-flux motors. This weight-saving characteristic is essential for eVTOL performance, where every kilogram impacts range and payload capacity.

The two companies will collaborate closely on the certification process. The propulsion system will undergo validation with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with concurrent validation sought from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Evolito has already secured Design Organization Approval (DOA) from the UK CAA as of November 2023, a mandatory regulatory standard for companies designing aircraft components.

“Evolito will supply lightweight, high-torque motors that are essential for the aircraft’s performance and safety.”

, Vertical Aerospace Press Release

From Prototype to Production

The partnership focuses specifically on the Valo, the commercial branding for the aircraft previously developed under the prototype designation VX4. The Valo is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers with a range of approximately 100 miles and a cruise speed of 150 mph, producing zero operating emissions. Vertical Aerospace currently holds a conditional pre-order book of approximately 1,500 units from major global operators, including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines.

Strategic Context and Financial Outlook

The selection of Evolito highlights a divergence in strategy among leading eVTOL developers. While competitors like Joby Aviation have opted for vertical integration, designing and manufacturing their motors in-house, Vertical Aerospace continues to pursue a “best-in-class supplier” model. This approach relies on integrating components from specialized aerospace partners such as Honeywell (avionics), GKN Aerospace (wings), and Leonardo (fuselage).

AirPro News Analysis: The Financial Runway

While the technical partnership solidifies the aircraft’s design, the financial timeline remains a critical factor for Vertical Aerospace. According to preliminary Q4 2025 financial results, the company reported approximately £69 million ($93 million) in cash and equivalents. Based on current burn rates, this provides a cash runway extending through mid-2026.

With certification targeted for 2028, the company faces a significant gap between its current funding and the commercialization of the Valo. The projected net cash outflow for 2026 is estimated at £175 million ($235 million). Consequently, the success of the Evolito partnership is not only a technical necessity but a strategic imperative to demonstrate progress and attract the capital required to bridge the gap to certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo?
VX4 was the name given to the prototype aircraft used during testing phases. Valo is the official brand name for the commercial production aircraft that will be delivered to customers.

Why did Vertical Aerospace switch from Rolls-Royce?
Vertical Aerospace and Rolls-Royce mutually agreed to terminate their contract in May 2024. The shift to Evolito represents a move toward a specialized supplier focused exclusively on lightweight electric propulsion technology derived from the automotive sector.

When is the Valo expected to enter service?
Vertical Aerospace is targeting certification for the Valo aircraft in 2028, pending regulatory approval from the UK CAA and EASA.

Sources

• Vertical Aerospace Press Release
• Vertical Aerospace Investor Relations (Q4 2025 Data)