ePropelled has opened its new Global Innovation Centre in Coventry, expanding capacity for UAV propulsion and power systems. The facility is designed to support a production ramp to more than one million propulsion systems annually by 2027. The site places the UK at the centre of the company’s global strategy for electric and hybrid propulsion, high efficiency motors, and intelligent energy management.
High-Efficiency Systems for UAV Platforms
The company’s product suite targets lightweight and high power UAVs across defense, industrial and commercial missions. ePropelled UAV propulsion offerings include Sparrow Series motors from 160Kv up to 7000W for small and mid-sized drones. The Falcon range, including the iAPM600 controller delivering up to 10kW, supports higher power multirotor and fixed-wing platforms. The Hercules hybrid starter generator systems, rated up to 14kW, enable extended-endurance hybrid UAV designs that combine engine and electric power.
These systems sit on a proprietary unified architecture that supports range upgrades and connectivity across platforms. This approach aims to simplify integration for OEMs and allow fleet operators to standardize propulsion across airframes. ePropelled holds 36 patents in advanced magnetics, electric drive and energy management, underlining its focus on high-efficiency UAV propulsion.
Integrated Power and Real-Time Data
The UK team is leading development of AI-enabled and connected solutions for uncrewed platforms. The ePConnect onboard service manager and telemetry platform enables real time monitoring, control and analytics for uncrewed air, ground and marine systems. This capability supports condition-based maintenance and more precise energy management during complex missions.
“In the past three years uncrewed systems and solutions have moved from the periphery of global defence and industrial strategy to the very centre,” said Nick Grewal, Founder, Chair and CEO. “We know we have the proven technology to transform this market and now we must scale it.” He noted that annual production is currently around 100,000 to 150,000 systems, with a target above one million by 2027.
Hybrid Solutions and Market Growth
ePropelled works with Germany-based Hirth Engines on hybrid propulsion solutions that combine lightweight two stroke engines with intelligent electric power systems. This combination aims to extend endurance, improve efficiency and enhance mission resilience for UAVs that must carry heavier payloads or operate over longer ranges.
Henry Sullivan, CFO, highlighted the West Midlands’ engineering heritage and talent base. “By bringing our propulsion design, software development and systems testing together in Coventry, we are creating a genuinely global centre for research, innovation and validation,” he said. Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East, said that investment from companies like ePropelled will support skilled jobs and help workers future-proof their skills in this rapidly developing sector.
Global demand for uncrewed systems continues to grow, with independent forecasts projecting strong expansion in the unmanned systems and UAV propulsion segments through 2030. Simon Baugh, Director of Corporate Marketing, said the West Midlands sits at the heart of the company’s global operations network, linking engineering in the UK with manufacturing and supply chain partners worldwide to support high volume production and European compliance.
More information on ePropelled is available from their website.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.