Nidec Corporation and Embraer to Form Nidec Aerospace LLC for Electric Propulsion Systems in Aerospace
Japan’s Nidec Corporation and Brazil’s Embraer have revealed plans to establish a groundbreaking joint venture called Nidec Aerospace LLC. This strategic collaboration, announced on June 18, 2023, just ahead of the Paris Air Show, aims to revolutionize the aerospace sector by developing advanced electric propulsion systems.
Nidec Corporation, renowned as a leading comprehensive motor manufacturer, will partner with Embraer to design, certify, produce, and commercialize next-generation electric propulsion systems. These systems will incorporate well-proven technologies, promoting greater efficiency and sustainability for aircraft models.
The primary focus of the joint venture will be on the growth of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry. Nidec Aerospace will develop and manufacture Electric Propulsion Systems specifically tailored for electric Vertical Take-Off Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Additionally, the long-term vision is to expand the application of this system to non-eVTOL vehicles in the future.
With Nidec owning a 51% share and Embraer owning the remaining 49%, the jointly-owned Nidec Aerospace LLC will be headquartered at Nidec Motor Corporation (NMC) in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Leveraging both companies’ existing industrial footprint in Brazil and Mexico, the joint venture aims to unlock new global opportunities by providing an agnostic portfolio of products and services.
Michael Briggs, senior vice president and president of the Motion & Energy Business Unit at Nidec, expressed his optimism about the venture’s role in accelerating global carbon neutrality. He highlighted that Nidec Aerospace LLC builds upon the companies’ ongoing investments in green technologies across multiple industries and will spearhead the electrification of aircraft.
The maiden customer for the electric propulsion system will be Eve Air Mobility, an independent eVTOL manufacturer positioned to be a leading player in the Urban Air Mobility segment. This strategic partnership aligns with Embraer’s commitment to innovation and sustainable aviation, as stated by Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO at Embraer.
The establishment of Nidec Aerospace LLC represents a significant milestone in advancing the aerospace industry towards a greener and more sustainable future, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. By leveraging their shared drive, technical expertise, and manufacturing capabilities, Nidec Corporation and Embraer are set to make a profound impact on the future of aviation.