Rolls-Royce Electrical

Rolls-Royce Electrical was a stand-alone business division of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, formally constituted in 2022 by combining the company's internal electric aviation efforts with the eAircraft unit acquired from Siemens in 2019. That acquisition brought approximately 180 electrical engineers and designers, primarily based in Germany and Hungary, and gave the division deep expertise in electric and hybrid-electric propulsion for aerospace applications. Operations spanned sites in Germany, Hungary, Norway, and the UK.

The division developed three main product lines: a 150 kW electric propulsion unit (EPU) targeting eVTOL aircraft, a 320 kW EPU for regional aircraft, and an onboard power distribution system. It was contracted to supply the powertrain for Vertical Aerospace's VX4 urban air mobility vehicle, and its technology demonstrator—the Spirit of Innovation aircraft—set a world speed record, reaching 388 mph as part of the UK government-funded ACCEL project.

Following a leadership change, Rolls-Royce shifted strategic priorities toward profitable contracts and cost reduction. After failing to find a buyer, Rolls-Royce shut down the Electrical division in late 2024. Core electrical and hybrid engineering capabilities were retained within the company's civil aerospace, defence, and power systems units, as they are considered essential to future programmes such as next-generation combat aircraft.