ZEI takes wraps off hydrogen-powered speed boat
World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Speed Boat: FCV Vanguard Sets New Standards in Clean Energy
World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Speed Boat: FCV Vanguard
Zero Emission Industries (ZEI), based in South San Francisco, has made history by introducing the FCV Vanguard, the world’s first hydrogen-powered high-performance speed boat. This groundbreaking boat was created by upgrading a 27-foot boat built in 1995, replacing its old gas engine with a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel system from ZEI.
A Powerful New Engine
The FCV Vanguard is powered by ZEI’s “Z-Class” fuel cell system. This system replaces a big V8 gasoline engine with a hydrogen-powered engine with 375 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This gives the boat a lot of strength and speed but with the bonus of zero emissions.
The Z-Class system is designed to work better than diesel, gasoline, or even battery-powered engines. It includes four fuel cells, a lithium-ion battery, hydrogen safety systems, cooling systems, and a high-performance electric motor. The fuel cells keep the battery charged and provide power to the motor when needed, making it a flexible and reliable system.
Performance Numbers
The FCV Vanguard’s performance stats are impressive:
- Peak power: 522 HP (390 kW) for short bursts
- Continuous power: 375 HP (280 kW)
- Torque: 630 Nm (465 lb-ft)
- Weight: 700 kg (1,540 lbs)
- Efficiency: More than 50%
- Fuel: Hydrogen gas
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled
This power system is smaller, more efficient, and just as powerful as other types of engines, making it a game-changer for marine vehicles.
Developed with Support
ZEI worked with the California Energy Commission through its Gas R&D Program to develop the FCV Vanguard. Their collaboration has helped push the boundaries of what hydrogen fuel cell technology can do, especially for high-performance boats.
Benefits of Hydrogen Power
John Motlow, the Chief Strategy Officer at ZEI, explains the benefits of their hydrogen-powered system. “Our fuel cell system combines the best features of gasoline, diesel, and electric motors. It gives the high speed and quick refueling of gasoline engines, the strength and efficiency of diesel, and the clean, quiet operation of electric motors. This makes it perfect for boats, cars, trucks, and more—without any pollution.”
The hydrogen storage tanks used in the FCV Vanguard also offer a longer range and faster refueling time than battery-only boats. This means the FCV Vanguard can compete with gas and diesel boats, but with zero emissions.
Proven Technology
This isn’t ZEI’s first hydrogen-powered project. They previously created a hydrogen fuel system for a passenger ferry in San Francisco, which also produced no emissions. The FCV Vanguard uses an even better version of this system, proving that hydrogen can power not just ferries but also high-speed boats.
A Path Toward a Cleaner Future
ZEI’s CEO, Dr. Joe Pratt, believes that upgrading existing boats and vehicles is one of the best ways to fight climate change. “Instead of scrapping old vehicles and building new ones, it’s better for the environment and cheaper to upgrade them with clean energy systems like hydrogen fuel cells.”
By converting old engines to zero-emission technology, ZEI is showing that everyone—from local repair shops to big boatyards—can help reduce pollution and move toward a cleaner future.
