Torqeedo and ZF have established a partnership to drive electric mobility for sustainable waterborne passenger transport. The companies will integrate ZF’s steerable thrusters into Torqeedo’s Deep Blue system.

The two companies view switching to electric as a smart business choice for most commercial operations as fuel and engine maintenance costs can be reduced considerably, lowering the total cost of ownership.  Torqeedo states that the 50 kW and 100 kW Deep Blue electric propulsion systems eliminate harmful local emissions and noise, and can result in a 30% to 90% overall reduction in carbon footprint for operators.

“ZF Group strategy supports transition towards electric mobility in all market segments, from automotive to off-road applications. Accordingly, ZF is continuing to expand its portfolio of environment-friendly marine propulsion solutions; the new fully electric propulsion system will combine ZF’s Steerable Pod Propulsion system (SPP) and Torqeedo technology steering to a cleaner mobility and a more sustainable future. The system will make docking not only intuitive and relaxed, but also emission and noise-free,” said Federico Decio, Vice President ZF Marine Pleasure Craft, ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

“Cities around the world have announced their intentions to take their waterways emission-free. By integrating steerable thrusters into the Deep Blue family of products, ZF and Torqeedo are prepared to help cities build the public transport systems of tomorrow,” said Dr. Christoph Ballin, CEO and co-founder of Torqeedo GmbH.

Following the recent signing of the cooperation agreement, the companies plan to launch their first products by the end of this year.