Magnetic Attraction: Why Evolito’s Electric Motors and Electra’s EL9 uSTOL Will Be An Attractive Combo for Direct Aviation

On October 13, 2025, it was publically announced that Electra chose Evolito for the 8 electric propulsion units (EPUs) to power Electra’s EL9 hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (uSTOL). Evolito, which started as an Oxford University research project, eventually became YASA (Yokeless and Segmented Armature) before separating the aircraft division into Evolito, has pioneered lightweight and powerful axial flux electric motors. These incredible electric motors will provide propulsion for Electra’s 9-passenger EL9 ultra-Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft.

Like Magnets,🧲Innovation Attracts Innovation⚡

Batteries assist in takeoff and landing of the EL9 hybrid-electric uSTOL. During cruise, the turbogenerator can be engaged by the pilot which will recharge the batter en route. Furthermore, when engaged, the turbogenerator is designed to be used during the moment of maximal efficiency, thereby reducing the size of the turbogenerator required for the production of electricity to charge the EL9’s battery.

Need a Lift?

Electra’s EL9 is a nine-seat aircraft that uses a unique combination of distributed electric propulsion and patented blown-lift technology, enabling it to take off and land in spaces as short as 150 feet (45 meters). This innovation greatly reduces both noise and emissions while making thousands of new short-runway locations viable for air travel. The design channels air from electric motors over the wings and flaps, creating exceptional lift at very low speeds—allowing the EL9 to operate in only a fraction of the space required by traditional airplanes. Wind tunnel tests of the aircraft’s blown-wing system have confirmed lift coefficients above 20, roughly seven times higher than those of standard wing designs.

Electra’s unique EL9 uSTOL will provide passengers access to direct flights rather than the hub and spoke system. With 8 electric motors used to propel the aircraft

“We are thrilled to partner with Electra on the EL9, a game-changing aircraft that aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation.”…“Our engine technology is designed for type-certification and scalable production, making it ideally suited to support Electra’s vision for clean, accessible, and efficient regional air travel.” – Dr. Chris Harris, CEO and Co-founder of Evolito

“Our production contract with Evolito is a significant step forward for our vision for Direct Aviation—safe, quiet, and affordable air mobility that connects communities in ways never before possible. Evolito’s lightweight, durable, and cost-effective design will provide exceptional long-term value for operators through low maintenance, long life, and proven reliability.” – Marc Allen, CEO of Electra

“Evolito’s EPUs deliver exceptional performance and reliability on a technology chassis with a proven heritage.” – JP Stewart, Electra’s Senior Vice President, Product Development

Electra

• Based in Manassas, Virginia
• Founded by Dr. John Langford (former founder & CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences)
• MIT Professors John Hansman and Mark Drela served as Technical Advisors
• Manufacturer of hybrid-electric ultra STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft
• 150 ft ground roll
• 1,110 nautical mile ferry range
• 9 passenger capacity or 3,000 pounds of cargo for 330 nautical miles
• Signed MoA with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® 
• 2,200 pre-orders from 60 plus operators worldwide

Evolito

• Headquartered in Bicester, Oxfordshire, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧
• Formed in June 2021 as a separate entity, as a continuation of YASA’s aerospace division. The remaining non-aviation divisions of the company were acquired by Mercedes Benz
• YASA was founded by Dr Malcolm McCulloch, head of Oxford’s Electrical Power Group and PhD student Dr Tim Woolmer
• Initial focus on Yokeless and Segmented Armature (YASA) technology for the aviation sector
• Awarded AS/EN9100 certification by BSI
• Products:
  • Aerial flux motors
    • D250:
      • Low Torque, High Speed
      • Peak specific torque of ~16Nm/kg
    • D500:
      • Mid Torque, Mid Speed
    • D1700:
      • For high torque, low speed
      • Peak specific torque of ~56Nm/kg
    • Used in:
      • Fixed -wing aircraft
      • eVTOLs, UAMs, Helicopters
  • Motor Controller Units
    • MC350
      • High voltage supply:
        400- 835V
  • Battery Solutions
    • MEPS-HP: Modular Electrical Power System – High Voltage

Axial Flux Electric Motors:

Weight-saving yokeless design and segmented magnet architecture

D250: Low Torque, High Speed

D250 1×3

Peak Torque (30s):	230Nm	169lb-ft
Peak Power (30s):	230kW @ 9,500rpm	312hp
Continuous torque:	208Nm	153lb-ft
Continuous power:	207kW @ 9500rpm	281hp
Max speed:	10,000rpm	10,000rpm
Mass:	~13kg	~29lbs
Size:	∅370mm x 125mm	∅14.5″ x 5″
Cooling medium:	Dielectric Oil	Dielectric Oil
Cooling fluid volume:	0.5l	17.6fl.oz
Intended altitude:	Up to 15,240m	Up to 50,000ft

D250 1×3

Peak Torque (30 seconds):	222 Nm
Peak Power (30 seconds):	223 kW @ 9600 rpm
Maximum Cruise Torque (continuous):	202 Nm
Maximum Cruise Power (continuous):	203 kW @ 9600 rpm
Max Speed:	10,000 rpm
Mass (without covers):	8.3 kg
Size (without covers):	315 mm (D) x 126 mm (L)

D500: Mid Torque, Mid Speed

D500 1×3

Peak Torque (30 seconds):	560 Nm
Peak Power (30 seconds):	350 kW @ 6000 rpm
Max Speed:	9000 rpm
Mass:	~30 kg
Size:	375mm x 128mm

D1700: For High torque, Low speed

D1700 2×3

Peak torque (30s):	1700Nm	1254lb-ft
Peak power (30s):	350kW @ 2000rpm	470hp
Continuous torque	1500Nm	1106lb-ft
Continuous power:	250kW @ 1600rpm	335hp
Max speed:	2500rpm	2500rpm
Mass:	~30kg	~66lbs
Size:	∅450mm x 170mm	∅17.7″ x 6.7″
Cooling medium:	Dielectric Oil	Dielectric Oil
Cooling fluid volume:	0.7l	24.6fl.oz
Intended altitude:	Up to 15,240m	Up to 50,000ft

Motor Controller Units

MC350 Motor Controller Unit (MCU)

High voltage supply:	400- 835V	400-835V
Continuous output current:	350 Arms	350 Arms
PWM frequency:	20kHz	20kHz
Low voltage supply:	2 x 28V dc	2 x 28V dc
Peak efficiency:	>98%	>98%
Size:	455 x 300 x 95mm	18 x 12 x 3.5″
Mass:	~9.5kg	~21lbs
Cooling medium:	Dielectric Oil	Dielectric Oil
Cooling inlet temperature:	-20°C to +80°C	-4°F to 176°F

Battery Solutions

MEPS-HP: Modular Electrical Power System – High Voltage

• Voltage Range: 706 – 420 Vdc
• Peak Discharge Current: 90 A (2023), 100 A (2024)
• Nominal Energy (1C): 5.44 kWh (2023), 6.00 kWh (2024)
• Mass: 33 kg
• Specific Energy: 165 Wh/kg (2023), 181 Wh/kg (2024), with road map to higher energy and power densities

Electra EL9 Ultra-STOL (Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft)

• 9 passengers OR 3,000 lbs max payload
• 150 ft Takeoff distance
• 175 knots cruise
• 1,000 nautical mile range + IFR reserves
• hybrid-electric technology

Official Press Release: click here

Malcolm McCulloch PhD (official page on Oxford University’s website): click here

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