Torqeedo and ZF join forces to deliver clean energy independence for yachts

Torqeedo and ZF have announced that the two companies will integrate ZF’s steerable saildrives into Torqeedo’s Deep Blue system. These 50 kW and 100 kW electric propulsion systems are claimed to offer manoeuvrability and joystick docking with effective hydro-generation performance, allowing sailing yachts to generate their own clean, renewable power.

The increase in hydro-generation efficiency is achieved by reversing ZF’s (http://www.zf.com) steerable saildrive while the yacht is under sail, allowing the spinning propeller to rotate the motor, generating electricity to charge the vessel’s high-capacity batteries. This generates renewable power which is then managed and distributed for propulsion and all other DC and AC onboard power needs by the Deep Blue system.

Owners of yachts up to 120 feet long can be fully self-reliant at sea. The role of the diesel generator is reduced from being an indispensable provider of power while living aboard to being a backup needed only for extended motoring or long-term mooring outside marinas.

“Sailing yachts are one of the first yachting applications to migrate from combustion engines towards cleaner electric solutions,” says Dr. Christoph Ballin, CEO and co-founder of Torqeedo GmbH. “The products stemming from this cooperation of ZF and Torqeedo will be an important milestone in this transition.”

The companies plan to launch their first products by the end of this year, but visitors to boot Düsseldorf can catch Torqeedo on Stand C22, Hall 9.