Evolito Ltd
British aerospace firm developing axial-flux motors for aviation.
Evolito Ltd is a British aerospace firm that designs and builds axial-flux electric motors, motor controllers, and battery management systems for aircraft. Its 40,000-square-foot manufacturing and testing site is located in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The company’s work centres on axial-flux electric propulsion, with the goal of enabling sustainable aviation, advanced air mobility, and hybrid conversions of existing planes.
The company was formed in June 2021, after Mercedes-Benz acquired YASA Limited, a developer of axial-flux motor technology. As part of that deal, YASA’s aerospace division was spun off into a new entity, Evolito, to pursue axial-flux motors for the aviation sector. In November 2023, Evolito earned Design Organization Approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority for its electric propulsion systems. The company bought Gloucestershire-based aerospace battery developer Electroflight in 2022. In January 2025, Evolito ranked third in the Sunday Times 100 list of the UK’s fastest-growing tech companies. The following month, it won a contract to supply 32 D250 axial-flux motors for French airship startup Flying Whales’ LCA60T airship, with service expected to begin in 2028.
The D250 motor delivers 240 kW (332 hp) of peak power in a 13 kg (29 lb) package, achieving a power density of 18.5 kW/kg, which the company calls best-in-class.
As of 2025, Evolito’s leadership includes CEO Dr. Chris Harris (also co-founder), CTO Marc Holme, CCO Ajay Lukha, COO Robert Sharman, CPO Rachael Wallwork, Director of Finance Nicola Johnson, Head of IT James Wilby, and former COO Gareth Morris, who now serves as an advisor to the CEO.
Competitors in the electric propulsion market include magniX, Rolls-Royce Electrical, and Joby Aviation. Market research valued the global aircraft electric motor industry at $6.5 billion in 2022, with projections of growth to $14.5 billion by 2032.
Quick Facts
- Former Name
- Spin-off from YASA Limited
- Founded
- June 2021
- Hq Location
- Bicester, Oxfordshire
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Evolito was established in June 2021 when YASA Limited, a company that developed axial-flux electric motor technology, was acquired by Mercedes-Benz. As part of the acquisition, YASA separated its aerospace division from the original company, creating Evolito to focus on axial-flux motor technology for aviation markets. In 2022, Evolito purchased Gloucestershire-based aerospace battery developer Electroflight.
In November 2023, Evolito received Design Organization Approval (DOA) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for electric propulsion systems. In January 2025, Evolito was awarded 3rd place in the Sunday Times 100 fastest growing UK tech companies. In February 2025, Evolito secured a contract to supply 32 D250 axial-flux motors for French airship start-up Flying Whales' LCA60T airship, with entry into service expected in 2028.
The D250 motor provides 240 kW of peak power in a 13 kg package, yielding a best-in-class 18.5 kW/kg. Competitors in the electric propulsion market include magniX, Rolls-Royce Electrical, and Joby Aviation.
Reader's Guide
Evolito Ltd. is notable as a dedicated aerospace spin-off from YASA Limited, created after Mercedes-Benz acquired YASA in June 2021. The company focuses exclusively on axial-flux electric propulsion for aviation, a niche that leverages the high power density of axial-flux motors. Its D250 motor, delivering 18.5 kW/kg, represents a best-in-class power density according to the article. The company's acquisition of Electroflight in 2022 integrated battery development capabilities, and its November 2023 Design Organization Approval from the CAA marked regulatory recognition for its electric propulsion systems. The February 2025 contract with Flying Whales for 32 D250 motors on the LCA60T airship, expected to enter service in 2028, demonstrates commercial traction in the advanced air mobility sector. The global aircraft electric motor market was valued at $6.5 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to $14.5 billion by 2032, positioning Evolito within a rapidly expanding industry. Its 3rd place ranking in the Sunday Times 100 fastest growing UK tech companies in January 2025 underscores its growth trajectory.
Did You Know?
- Evolito was created in June 2021 when YASA Limited's aerospace division was separated after Mercedes-Benz acquired YASA.
- The D250 motor delivers 240 kW peak power in a 13 kg package, achieving 18.5 kW/kg.
- Evolito received Design Organization Approval from the Civil Aviation Authority in November 2023.
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