Evolito to help develop electric motors for electric wheel taxi system under UK Government funded program

Posted on February 19, 2026 - aerospace, latest news

Evolito to develop low speed, high torque electric motor based on its proprietary axial flux motor technology
Project SONATA aims to reduce aircraft taxi emissions by 47%.

Bicester, UK, 17/02/2025 – Evolito Limited is proud to announce a collaboration with Airbus, supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Innovate UK, to develop an on-aircraft, electric wheel taxi system. The system will enable aircraft to taxi independently from ground support equipment with the main engines switched off, resulting in considerable reductions in operating costs, noise and emissions (CO2 and Local Air Quality). The project aims to decrease taxi emissions by 47%. Evolito has been selected to develop a low speed, high torque electric motor based on its proprietary axial flux motor technology for Project SONATA: System Optimisation of Non-propulsive energy in Aircraft Taxi technologies and Architectures.

Evolito’s proprietary axial flux motors deliver best in class specific power and torque. Expected to deliver ~56Nm/kg and provide 350kW@ peak power, the proposed axial flux motor developed in Project SONATA will also meet the integration requirements for future landing gear applications.

“Evolito is thrilled to collaborate on project SONATA. By developing low speed, high torque motors for aircraft landing systems, we are extending the performance envelope of our technology and contributing to the reduction of aviation’s environmental impact whilst also reducing operating costs. This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector.”

Chris Harris, CEO of Evolito

Building on the successful outcome of project UToPEA, an ATI Programme funded project focused on advancing Evolito’s electric propulsion systems, this new collaboration will further enhance engineering capabilities and drive innovation in the aviation market.

“This cutting-edge project from Evolito could make an essential contribution to our journey towards Jet Zero, and this government is proud to back it through the Aerospace Technology Institute. We’re going further to back our world-class aerospace industry through our Modern Industrial Strategy, delivering good jobs whilst keeping the UK at the forefront of innovation.”

Chris McDonald, Industry Minister

In addition to Evolito’s key role, Project SONATA brings together several other leading organisations: The University of Southampton, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Magnomatics, Drive System Design and DePe Gear.

About the Department for Business and Trade

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-and-trade
DBT are the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.

About Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)

https://www.ati.org.uk/

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) is dedicated to advancing the UK’s aerospace sector through pioneering research and development initiatives. By fostering collaborations between industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies, ATI drives innovation and technological advancements that position the UK as a global leader in sustainable aviation. ATI’s efforts ensure that the UK continues to lead in the development of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of aviation and promote a greener future for the aviation industry.

About Innovate UK

https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is creating a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations.

We provide targeted sectors with expertise, facilities and funding to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth. Join our network and communities of innovators to realise the potential of your ideas and accelerate business growth. Innovate UK: inspiring business innovation.

About Evolito

Evolito is leading electric propulsion and power generation for aerospace with light weight, compact electric motors and DAL A integrated systems with planned certification and scalable production. Evolito’s electric engines are suitable for both VTOL and fixed-wing applications with unmatched power density, efficiency, and safety. The privately held company is based in Oxford. Evolito’s investors include B-Flexion, Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and HostPlus.

For more information:

Helen Eaton
helen.eaton@evolito.aero