Eve Air Mobility and Beta Technologies collaborate on eVTOL drives
The supplier contract spans up to ten years and is valued at up to one billion US dollars. This agreement comes at a critical time for Beta Technologies, as the company, backed by Amazon and General Electric, only went public in November, raising over one billion US dollars in capital. It is now under pressure to deliver positive news for its shareholders.The agreement follows an initial evaluation phase during which Eve tested and validated the performance of Beta’s motors in its technical prototype. This phase prepares the ground for the first flight, expected by the end of this year or early 2026.Specifically, the deal covers the supply of so-called ‘pusher’ motors, designated H500A. These motors are used in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to generate thrust during cruise flight and improve efficiency in horizontal flight. The H500A delivers a maximum power output of 427 kW and can operate at altitudes of up to 4,270 metres.Eve Air Mobility, part of the Brazilian aerospace group Embraer, plans to combine these pusher motors from Beta Technologies with its own lifter motors, which provide the vertical lift required for take-off, hovering, and landing. These lifter motors are being developed by Embraer, Eve’s parent company, in a joint venture with Japanese electric motor manufacturer Nidec.“Integrating Beta Technologies into our supply chain is a pivotal milestone in advancing our eVTOL program,” says Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “Their electric motor technology will play a critical role in powering our aircraft during cruise, supporting the maturity of our propulsion architecture as we progress toward entry into service.”Like most other developers, Eve Air Mobility has yet to secure certification for its first eVTOL, which could be used as an air taxi. However, the company states it already holds 2,800 orders for its electric vertical take-off aircraft. If all goes to plan, Eve Air Mobility could complete its testing and certification phase next year and begin deliveries by late 2026 or in 2027.eveairmobility.comThis article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.
