Nidec Aerospace opens new site in Atlanta
In June 2023, Nidec and Embraer announced the establishment of their joint venture, which was finalised in October 2023. The joint venture initially focused on developing and manufacturing a propulsion system for electrically powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known as ‘air taxis’. Nidec Aerospace’s first customer was Eve Air Mobility, an eVTOL developer owned by Embraer, in which Nidec also acquired a stake in July 2024.
From the outset, the plan—and now a core part of its mission—was to develop electric propulsion units not only for eVTOLs but also for electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, conventional take-off and landing aircraft, and drones.
The new site in Atlanta, Georgia, complements the existing headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. According to the company, Atlanta was selected for its excellent global connectivity, its deep pool of aerospace and engineering talent, and its proximity to leading research universities. The region’s growing ecosystem enables closer collaboration with customers, suppliers, and industry partners, while supporting Nidec Aerospace’s long-term innovation strategy.
“Our presence in Atlanta strengthens the momentum for our customers and the entire industry,” said Vincent Braley, CEO of Nidec Aerospace. “As electric propulsion programmes advance towards practical deployment, physical proximity becomes crucial. This move allows us to work faster, integrate earlier, and deliver reliable, certifiable propulsion solutions that accelerate projects from the prototype stage to deployment.”
The propulsion system for eVTOLs, Nidec Aerospace’s speciality, is considered particularly challenging. Unlike conventional aircraft, the propulsion system does not rely on a single motor but on a Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) system. This system uses multiple electric motors to drive individual rotors or propellers, precisely coordinated via power electronics (inverters), control computers, and high-voltage cabling. Nidec Aerospace is currently developing such a DEP system.
Eve Air Mobility’s first eVTOL, which recently secured $150 million in loans, will feature eight rotors controlled electronically via fly-by-wire. These rotors will be supplemented by a pusher motor supplied by competitor Beta Technologies. The latter is designed to generate thrust during cruise flight and improve efficiency in horizontal flight.
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