Docking, casting off, and maneuvering safely even in narrow harbors - all this without noise and exhaust emissions. This is made possible by a new electric drive system from ZF, which is combined with the Steerable Pod Propulsion system (SPP). Thanks to the e-propulsion system, it is now also possible to enter harbors which are banned for diesel-powered sailing yachts due to environmental regulations.
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E-drive: Sailing trip with additional thrust
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Bonus: Increased manoeuvrability
Bonus: Increased manoeuvrability
In addition, the speed of the electric motor is precisely controllable. This makes docking even safer in strong crosswinds or currents. The electric motor of the drive has a maximum output of 125 kilowatts. It connects to the ZF Steerable Pod Propulsion system (SPP) by ZF. Its maneuverability is further improved by the smooth control of the electric motor without clutches. When developing this high-end induction motor, the engineers were able to draw on synergy effects within the Group, says Massimiliano Cotterchio, Head of Sales Pleasure Craft Product Line: "We use the same platform and many of he same system components our company already uses successfully and widely in other applications".
Testing in the innovation ship on Lake Garda
Testing in the innovation ship on Lake Garda
Since September 2019, ZF has already been testing this electric propulsion system concept under real-life conditions in an innovation ship on Lake Garda in Italy. The design of this prototype is similar to the planned series application. The yacht is equipped with a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery. This enables the ship to achieve an average sustained speed of almost seven knots (13 km/h) with a range of approximately 30 nautical miles (55.5 km). The battery pack with its own cooling system is positioned at the stern.