In Depth: Motor-Makers Start Their Engines for Electric Aviation Take Off

The race to dominate the emerging electric aircraft motor market is intensifying, with both Chinese companies and established foreign rivals vying for leadership as the sector prepares for significant growth. Chinese start-ups and incumbents are entering the sector, motivated by Beijing’s initiatives supporting the “low-altitude economy,” which encompasses drones, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), and electric fixed-wing aircraft. The rapid commercial development of eVTOLs heralds the creation of a lucrative new market, with analysts predicting that by 2030, China’s market for eVTOL motors and control systems could reach around 13.1 billion yuan ($1.8 billion), assuming a typical motor cost of 800,000 yuan and multiple motor replacements per eVTOL through its lifecycle[para. 1][para. 2][para. 3][para. 4].

Both traditional manufacturers and new companies are eager to capitalize. Notable collaborations in 2024 include Zhuhai Enpower Electric’s joint venture with EHang Holdings and Wolong Electric Group’s partnership with Aerofugia Technology to supply propulsion systems; Volant Aerotech chose Tianjin Santroll as its motor supplier. Meanwhile, foreign aerospace giants with advanced certification and supply chain systems, like France’s Safran, press their advantage. In February, Safran received the first EU type certificate for an electric aircraft motor—ENGINeUS 100—and is targeting mass production, planning four production lines for over 1,000 units annually by 2026. Its customers span Europe, the U.S., and include one Chinese eVTOL client[para. 5][para. 6][para. 7][para. 8][para. 9][para. 10][para. 11].

U.S. companies are innovating as well: California-based MAGicALL has supplied Airbus eVTOL prototypes with integrated propulsion systems since 2014, and magniX has retrofitted various aircraft types with electric motors since 2019, received a $74.3 million NASA contract in 2021, and secured FAA airworthiness standards for its electric motors[para. 12][para. 13][para. 14]. Safran’s and magniX’s certification expertise, built over decades, along with government support like France’s funding for EcoPulse, give Western firms a competitive edge[para. 15][para. 16].

Chinese companies, on the other hand, concentrate on bespoke solutions tailored to specific eVTOL airframes. This “type-specific” certification approach means motors are typically co-certified with the aircraft, ensuring tight operational integration but limiting scalability. Major domestic eVTOL firms, except TCab Technology, employ engines from domestic partners instead of universal motors. This fosters quick adaptation to aviation-grade requirements but makes independent, large-scale production challenging. Suppliers originate from drone motor makers, automotive/industrial drives, R&D spin-offs, and aerospace institute derivatives. Each brings unique strengths and hurdles—especially in transitioning to aviation’s higher reliability and power standards, which also escalate costs and pose supply chain challenges[para. 17][para. 18][para. 19][para. 20][para. 21][para. 22][para. 23][para. 24][para. 25][para. 26][para. 27].

Some companies, like XPeng Aeroht in China and Joby Aviation in the U.S., are investing in in-house automated motor production to meet future demand and quality standards[para. 28][para. 29]. However, much of China’s output remains closely tied to individual airframe designs—viewed by the industry as a temporary phase. Mass production will require independent certification akin to jet engines, but no Chinese firm has yet applied for such certification. Progress toward this goal hinges on the standardization of eVTOL airframes. Both Chinese and Western regulators are moving toward shared standards to facilitate component scalability and reduce design complexity, with the CAAC releasing dedicated standards for certain eVTOL types and signaling intent to broaden standardization in the future[para. 30][para. 31][para. 32][para. 33][para. 34][para. 35][para. 36][para. 37].

In summary, while Western firms push for universal, independently certified motors and mass manufacturing, Chinese companies prioritize customized solutions linked directly to specific eVTOL designs. Industry convergence around standardized airframes and certification pathways will be a critical driver for future scalability and innovation on both sides[para. 38][para. 39][para. 40][para. 41][para. 42][para. 43][para. 44][para. 45].