Challenges and Opportunities in Electric Propulsion Systems for Low-Altitude eVTOL Aircraft

Abstract

Low-altitude aviation is rapidly emerging as a transformative solution for next-generation transportation, driving significant advancements in electric propulsion systems. As a core subsystem in electric aircraft, electric propulsion systems require comprehensive evaluation of their technological progress, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities to support the development of low-altitude aviation. Unlike land vehicle applications, aircraft propulsion systems demand safety-critical designs governed by stringent operational constraints. This review identifies three critical metrics for such systems: power density, operational reliability and fault tolerance, and thermal management efficiency. While existing studies often address these metrics individually, their interdependencies are not well explored. To bridge this gap, this review systematically investigates state-of-the-art solutions, benchmarks their limitations under flight-critical conditions, and establishes correlations between technological advancements and operational requirements. Furthermore, it highlights future research directions by identifying emerging methodologies. As low-altitude aviation approaches scalable deployment, this article aims to serve as a technical reference to support the safe and effective development of aerial propulsion technologies.

Authors

• Li-Tao Dai
• Shuang-Xia Niu
• Zekai Lyu
• Xiaohui Huang
• K. Chau

Keywords

• Engineering
• Environmental Science