Zero Emission Industries Announces High-Performance Fuel Cell Powertrain System in Repower of World-First Hydrogen Go-Fast Boat

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) unveils FCV Vanguard, the world's first hydrogen-powered high-performance speed boat, showcasing its new "Z-Class" prototype power system. This cutting-edge fuel cell system, designed to replace gas and diesel engines, was first implemented to repower a 1995 27-foot offshore speedboat.

By replacing a traditional gasoline big block V8 engine with a 375 horsepower, 465 lb-ft torque hydrogen fuel cell system, ZEI demonstrates that top-tier performance can coexist with environmental sustainability.

The FCV Vanguard is developed in partnership with the California Energy Commission through their Gas R&D Program.

Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) unveils FCV Vanguard, the world's first hydrogen-powered high-performance speed boat, showcasing its new “Z-Class” prototype power system.

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A New Era of Clean, Silent Power

"With ZEI's hydrogen fuel cell system, we combine the best individual advantages of gasoline, diesel, and battery electric powertrains in a relatively small package," said John Motlow, Chief Strategy Officer of ZEI. "Our system delivers the high performance and quick refueling of gasoline engines, the torque and efficiency of diesel, and the clean, quiet operation of electric motors."

ZEI previously engineered and installed a similar power system on the world's first commercial passenger ferry in San Francisco, powered entirely by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells.

"Moreover, optimized hydrogen storage tanks can extend the boat's range with a pathway to match gas or diesel and has much faster refueling than battery-only electrics," Motlow added. "The FCV Vanguard proves that hydrogen fuel cells can meet the rigorous demands of high-performance vehicles."

Repowering Existing Equipment: Effective Pathway to Achieve Climate Goals

As the world races to meet ambitious climate and air quality targets, the FCV Vanguard highlights a more immediate and effective strategy to achieve climate goals: reusing existing vehicles, vessels, and equipment by replacing dirty, inefficient power sources with zero-emission fuel cell power systems.

"It is far more environmentally meaningful, immediate, and economically feasible to retrofit existing vehicles and vessels," said Dr. Joe Pratt, CEO of ZEI.

Consider the numbers: In the United States alone, there are approximately 13.5 million commercial trucks on the road, with only about 500,000 new trucks sold annually. Retrofitting offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to replacement.

Impressive Fuel Cell System Components and Specifications

The prototype "Z-Class" fuel cell power system installed in the boat is more performant, flexible, and robust than comparable diesel, gasoline or battery-only electric motors. It includes four fuel cell stacks, a Li-Ion battery, hydrogen safety systems, a custom cooling system, power electronics, and a high-performance electric motor. The system delivers remarkable performance metrics:

• Peak Power (10 Seconds): 390 KW (522 HP)
  
• Continuous Power: 280 kW (375 HP)
  
• Torque: 630 Nm (465 lb-ft)
  
• Dimensions: 1950 x 990 x 850 mm
  
• System Weight: 700 kg (1,540 lbs)
  
• Nominal System Efficiency: >50%
  
• Fuel Type: Gaseous Hydrogen
  
• Heat Management: Liquid-Cooled (Water-to-Water)
  
• Startup Time: Instantaneous
  

Overcoming Engineering Challenges

The successful conversion of a 1995 power-boat powertrain to ZEI's "Z-Class" system required addressing several complex engineering hurdles, including space constraints, weight distribution, and hydrogen storage safety.

ZEI's FT Case product, launched in May, has solved key infrastructure roadblocks to fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Implications for the Future of Transportation

Hydrogen adoption is happening at a global scale. Against that backdrop, ZEI is developing and deploying solutions that will ultimately overcome existing challenges for end users in adopting hydrogen technology.

Jonah Steinbuck, director of the California Energy Commission's Energy Research and Development Division, said, "The California Energy Commission is committed to accelerating the clean energy transition and achieving the state's climate goals."

A Call to Action for Industry and Consumers

"We make hydrogen power work, and that's good for everyone," concludes John Motlow. "The age of fossil fuel engines is ending. We want to allow both corporations and car enthusiasts to leverage clean fuel cell power."

About Zero Emission Industries

Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) is a hydrogen technology company building practical hydrogen solutions for the real world. Discover more about how ZEI is delivering a cleaner tomorrow at https://www.zeroei.com.

SOURCE: Zero Emission Industries