Electric Wheel Taxis

Evolito and Airbus are exploring a new way for planes to taxi on runways without running their main engines. The initiative, called Project SONATA (System Optimisation of Non-propulsive energy in Aircraft Taxi technologies and Architectures), is backed by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK and aims to cut taxiing emissions by nearly half.

Under the partnership, Evolito is developing a specialized electric motor for low-speed, high-torque performance using its advanced axial flux motor technology. The motor is designed to deliver roughly 56 Nm/kg of torque and 350 kW of power, providing the necessary thrust to move aircraft on the ground efficiently without relying on traditional jet engines.

"[...] “By developing low speed, high torque motors for aircraft landing systems, we are extending the performance envelope of our technology and contributing to the reduction of aviation’s environmental impact whilst also reducing operating costs. [...]" said Chris Harris, CEO of Evolito.

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