Safran Electrical & Power has secured €14.7 million in European Innovation Fund backing to industrialise production of its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor through the ENGINeUS PULL project.

The seven-year programme, running from 2026 to the end of 2032, will introduce greater automation at the company's Niort facility in France, supporting higher production rates as electric propulsion programmes advance towards commercial deployment.

The funding follows certification of the ENGINeUS electric motor by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2025 and supports preparations for series production. Safran Electrical & Power is commissioning two semi-automated assembly lines, a dedicated integrated logistics support line and maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities at the site.

The manufacturing approach applies industrial techniques drawn from the automotive sector, with the aim of improving efficiency, reducing costs and supporting large-scale output while maintaining operational flexibility.

ENGINeUS has been designed as a modular electric propulsion system capable of integration across multiple aircraft architectures. Initial applications focus on fully electric aircraft carrying two to four passengers, while derivative versions can support distributed hybrid-electric propulsion systems for regional aircraft carrying up to 19 passengers.

The company also sees potential for future adaptations to meet the performance and reliability requirements of defence platforms and missions.

“Being selected by the Innovation Fund marks an important step for Safran and positions Safran Electrical & Power as a key contributor to Europe's decarbonisation ambitions and energy transition,” says Agnès Pronost Gilles, executive vice president and general manager of power division at Safran Electrical & Power. “It is a recognition of the maturity of our ENGINeUS electric motor, which plays a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of all-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. We are very proud to support Europe's industrial competitiveness and environmental transition objectives.”