EASA has certified the EngineUs 100 electric motor developed by Safran Electrical & Power for new air mobility applications, including VoltAero’s Cassio family of hybrid-electric aircraft and E20 eVTOL model being developed by China's TCab Tech. The approval process took four years and involved the European aviation safety agency defining specific airworthiness rules for electric propulsion and developing a process for assessment and certification that is set to benefit other OEMs.

The EngineUs motor delivers maximum power of 125 kilowatts, with a weight-to-power ratio of 5 kilowatts per kilogram. The design includes power and control electronics and the French manufacturer said it can be easily integrated with various powertrain architectures.

Announcing the certification on February 3, Safran is now preparing to start mass production of the EngineUs range of motors, which will also include more powerful models. It is establishing four semi-automated production lines that are expected to be operational in 2026 in Niort, France, and Pitstone, UK, supporting a projected annual output of 1,000 electric motors.

Initially, the EngineUs family of motors is set to enter service on a mix of all-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft ranging in size from 2 to 19 seats. According to Safran, the motors could also be adopted to support “the hybridization” of future generation airliners seat up to 150 passengers. In addition to VoltAero, Safran’s range of EngineUs motors and GeneUs motor-generators have been selected by manufacturers including Aura Aero, Bye Aerospace, Diamond Aircraft, and Electra Aero.

“We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation,” said Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical & Power. “By obtaining certification for the EngineUs 100 electric motor, Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a world first.” Since rival aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce abandoned of the electric propulsion in 2024, Safran is the most prominent legacy OEM active in the sector.

EASA certification director Rachel Daeschler described the certification as the first test for the agency’s special condition developed for hybrid- and all-electric propulsion systems. In 2024, the FAA started assessing its own special conditions for certifying the EngineUs motors.