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Alternative Propulsion

Torqeedo Partners with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Maker

By Eric Colby

Torqeedo Deep Blue, electric boat motor

Torqeedo’s Deep Blue is available as an inboard or outboard electric boat engine.

Electric-boat propulsion pioneer Torqeedo has announced a partnership with another German company, Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, to integrate hydrogen fuel-cell charging into Torqeedo’s propulsion systems for boats. The two Bavaria-based companies will collaborate a marine hydrogen hybrid that combines Torqeedo’s Deep-Blue battery-driven propulsion system and Proton Motor’s fuel-cell technology.

“The hydrogen-electric Deep Blue Hybrid system will provide a practical and cost-effective solution that will allow for fast fueling, overcome speed and range limitations and will meet the most restrictive emission requirements on environmentally sensitive waterways or in urban areas,” said Jochen Czabke, senior vice president of product development and global service for Torqeedo GmbH. The product has the working title of “Ma-Hy-Hy” (Marine-Hydrogen-Hybrid) and has received funding from the Bavarian federal government for 2021 through 2024.

Deep Blue battery bank, electric boat battery

Currently, the Deep Blue propulsion system is powered by a large battery bank.

Team Effort

The system will be designed to provide propulsion power ranging from 50 kW to 200 kW and fuel-cell power of 30 to 120 kW. It will have flexible options for hydrogen storage and a prototype will be tested at Torqeedo’s engineering center near Munich, Germany. The companies expect to undertake collaborative marketing and industrialization of the system following the successful end of the development project.

“Integrating alternative fuels like hydrogen gives us yet another tool in the Deep Blue kit,” said Czabke. “We look forward to delivering a zero-emission hybrid-electric propulsion system that will enhance the range and performance of our battery-powered drives without the use of fossil fuels.”

Proton Motor, hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen burning motor

Proton Motor produces hydrogren-powered systems for a variety of applications.

Torqeedo manufactures electric and hybrid propulsion systems ranging from .5 kW to 100 kW for commercial and recreational use. Torqeedo is part of the Deutz Group. Proton Motor is an expert in climate-neutral energy generation and specializes in emission-free hydrogen fuel cells. The company has provided emergency power for infrastructure and mobile solutions including back-to-back applications.