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Electra Picks Evolito for EL9 Hybrid-Electric Power
Electra has tapped Evolito to power its EL9 hybrid-electric regional aircraft program with eight electric propulsion systems per aircraft.
On October 29, 2025, UK-based startup Electra announced a deal with Evolito for eight lightweight electric propulsion systems for each EL9 hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The partnership links Electra’s EL9 airframe program with Evolito’s high-performance motors as the company targets entry into service later this decade.
The EL9 is designed for short-haul, low-emission regional routes across Europe. Electra says the hybrid-electric configuration aims to reduce fuel burn and emissions on typical regional sectors while keeping payload and range suitable for feeder services and island hops in European regional markets.
What the EL9 hybrid-electric will use
Evolito’s systems are described as compact, lightweight electric motors paired with power electronics and thermal management hardware. Electra expects each aircraft to carry eight propulsion units to provide distributed electric thrust and redundancy while a conventional gas turbine or auxiliary generator handles extended-range needs. The manufacturer and operator details beyond the two companies were not listed in the announcement.
- Key detail: eight electric propulsion systems per EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft — announced October 29, 2025.
- Manufacturer: Evolito (electric motor supplier).
- Program lead: Electra (UK startup) targeting European regional markets and entry into service later this decade.
The move is another sign that hybrid-electric propulsion is moving from lab demonstrators toward certification programs and operator trials. Hybrid systems—where electric motors assist or replace some conventional thrust sources—can shorten runway requirements, lower noise footprints, and cut CO2 on short sectors. Electra and Evolito say the partnership will focus on performance, weight savings, and system integration to meet regional airline operational demands.
Electra did not announce airline customers or flight numbers with this release. The company frames the agreement as a step toward demonstrator flights and certification milestones that could follow in the latter half of the 2020s, keeping the EL9 on track for service entry before 2030 if development and certification proceed on schedule.
