Airbus selects Nidec Leroy-Somer to develop electric motors for its future hydrogen powered zero-emission engine

Airbus and Nidec Leroy-Somer signed an agreement to develop an electric motor for its hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine prototype, as part of Airbus’ ambition to bring the first zero-emission commercial aircraft to market by 2035. The long-standing expertise and extensive know-how of the French electric motor manufacturer, who already provides proven advanced technologies to many demanding industries, such as Navy, Nuclear, Railway, Automotive and Robotics is now collaborating on aviation decarbonization.

Jean-Michel Condamin, President of the “Commercial & Industrial Motors” Division, commented: “We are pleased to have been selected by Airbus to provide our expertise in high efficiency electric motors and contribute, through our innovative R&D teams and solutions, to this ambitious eco-friendly commercial aviation project. This important milestone for more sustainable mobility, presents several challenges that we are committed to overcome, to serve the global community.” 

Eric Coupart, Chief Technology Officer of the Commercial & Industrial Motors Division, said: “We are proud of this acknowledgement of our ability to cut energy bills & carbon emissions through tailor-made solutions, in one of the most severe environments. Our world-class R&D capabilities will bring to Airbus sustainable and powerful smart technologies with best-in-class energy efficiency for the near future of the Aviation”​

Leroy-Somer, part of the Japanese Nidec Group since 2017, is entrusted to design and develop a series of electric motor prototypes which meet very high requirements in terms of safety, reliability, energy-efficiency and lowest weight for the targeted power. Its skilled Research & Development Team is also challenged to explore breakthrough technologies and innovations to optimize the architecture of the aircraft propulsion system. Project management, design, engineering, and prototyping will all be done from its headquarters in Angouleme, France.

Prototypes, designed for performance and integration in Airbus’ zero-emission hydrogen powered fuel cell engine, will first be tested on ground using dedicated test benches. Following the initial qualification and validation, a second phase of in-flight testing will be conducted.

For over 100 years, Nidec Leroy-Somer has been designing, developing and manufacturing drive systems recognised for their quality and longevity in all industrial and commercial sectors. Always at the forefront of innovation with a deep expertise of various motor technologies and the related power electronics, it has built up a relationship of trust with many OEMs for whom it has carried out projects with very tight specifications, developing customized solutions with high added value. More than ever, to tackle global warming and the energy crisis, the electric motor has become a key player and Nidec Leroy-Somer is a renowned solution provider with its proven high energy efficiency IE5 motor DYNEO+ used in many different industrial fields.