eVehicle Technology
Saietta, specialists in high-tech advanced e-mobility propulsion, today announced the launch of Propel, its state-of-the-art marine propulsion division.
Propel is dedicated to designing, developing and commercialising a range of innovative electric motors to advance the electrification of the marine industry while supporting decarbonisation and delivering sustainable and clean mobility on waterways, while helping boat owners to meet increasingly stringent legislation. Premiering at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam on 16 November, Propel will showcase two highly innovative propulsion technologies – the Propel S1 and Propel D1 – which have been designed and developed from Saietta’s Axial Flux Technology (AFT) programs.
The S1 – a leader in outboard efficiency
Propel’s first outboard motor, the Propel S1, can generate 10kW continuous output from a 48V battery. When mated to the in-house developed propeller, it can generate 3.75kW of propulsive power, equalling a 25hp internal combustion engine (ICE) in terms of acceleration and top speed. Computational fluid dynamics software was used during development to design a bespoke four-blade propeller with optimal balance between size and motor performance, making the most of Saietta’s industry-leading AFT 140 motor. Combining innovation and standout design, the Propel S1 is one of the most efficient electric outboards developed, with the highly capable AFT electric motor at its heart helping to realize an overall efficiency of up to 62%.
Unlike the leading competitors, the S1 has a distinct advantage in that the motor and all electronics are housed above the water line.
The D1 – a ready-made diesel engine replacement
Propel is also launching the Propel D1, an inboard series of electric crate motors designed specifically to replace ageing diesel engines and enable the transition to marine electrification hassle-free.
Without the need of a gearbox, the Propel D1 is highly efficient. The result is an advanced propulsion solution that emits nothing but a soft, low hum, going further on a single charge and resulting in more time on the water. The motors and controllers are cooled using a closed-loop arrangement, crucially meaning a virtually maintenance-free experience for customers. The D1 range uses only low voltage motors, making it easier to source the best batteries and ensure they are safe to install and operate on existing applications. All D1 inboard motors ship with a high-quality sunlight readable 5” display and a side mount throttle lever, as well as a DC-inverter to power onboard 12V devices.
Wicher Kist, chief executive of Saietta Group and founder of Propel, said: “Helping the world go further and accelerate towards a cleaner and more sustainable future has always been at the heart of Saietta. We’ve long wanted to build on our proven impact in the e-mobility sector and Propel has been established to do just that; to deliver the next-generation experience in electric marine propulsion. We’re excited to be showcasing innovative products and features for the marine world and boat owners which not only ensures marine electrification and sustainability is accessible and affordable, but also delivers a more enjoyable and optimal experience on the water.”
Sander van Dijk, Propel’s managing director and chief technical officer, added: “When developing the Propel brand, it became immediately clear that users want simple and worry-free access to cutting-edge electric propulsion technologies that don’t sacrifice style over substance. We have developed our brand around these principles; firstly, no motors and electronics below the waterline, a robust drivetrain that is virtually maintenance-free is key. And secondly, our advanced products must be simple and safe to operate by everyone”.
“Propel products combine the best in Dutch design principles with a simple and fun user experience underpinned by quality systems informed by some of the world’s leading tech engineers. Electric propulsion isn’t a solution, it’s a leap forward and it’s happening in every other aspect of life. We’re proud to be bringing this innovation to the water.”
The launch of Propel coincides with increasingly stringent legislation centred around emission-free waterways and marine electrification as a means to help fight climate change. The City of Amsterdam has announced plans for its canals to be emission free by 2025, and the United Kingdom became the first of the major G7 countries to target net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which includes the adoption of electric boats and ships.
The electric boat and ship market is expected to reach a value of US$9 billion by 2026, driven by factors such as increased maritime tourism and increased seaborne trade as so much of the world’s goods are already carried by ships. The growing government focus on encouraging consumers to adopt eco-friendly boats and ships to meet environmental regulations is further propelling demand in the market.
Saietta Group, a tech specialist leader in propulsion motors for a broad range of electric vehicles (EVs), is already heralded as an enabler of electrification. Through its first AFT e-motors – the AFT 140 and AFT 110 – the company has engineered key breakthrough propulsion innovations that will accelerate the journey towards sustainable mobility, in the process ensuring accessibility and performance while supporting the reduction of carbon emissions.
Propel will be showcasing at the Marine Equipment Trade Show at Amsterdam RAI convention centre, hall 5, stand number 05.671, from 16 to 18 November.
