Vessev, the Auckland, New Zealand-based startup that designs and builds commercial-grade electric hydrofoiling vessels, has revealed more details on its VS-Drive podded propulsion system in advance of an official launch next week. Designed to redefine electric marine performance, its development was co-funded by the New Zealand government’s Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by the EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority).

The gearless, zero-emissions VS-Drive powers the company’s first model, the 9-m VS-9 battery-electric hydrofoiling catamaran. The submersible motor combines advanced active cooling with custom direct-drive brushless motors in a modular design. It will scale to other models in development by the company, including 12 and 18-m vessels, as well as a recreational vessel that is launching soon.

The drive’s internal closed-loop cooling system was among its most game-changing features, maintaining motor operating temperatures of below 50°C (122°F), said Max Olson, Vessev’s Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. That operating temperatures are well below its 100°C (212°F) tolerance. The company says the cooling system allows its boats to perform in tropical climates where others have not been able to.

“The VS-Drive began as a clean-sheet design to overcome one of the trickiest challenges in electric marine propulsion: overheating,” said Olson. “The result is sustained high-torque output and unparalleled performance in tropical climates.”

The drive’s vectorable rudder mounting enables better low-speed maneuverability, and when combined with Vessev’s fully retractable foiling system, facilitates operation across a range of marine environments and configurations. It will unlock a new level of what’s possible for electric marine transport, said Eric Laakmann, Vessev’s CEO.

“We’re excited to see operators around the world benefit from this propulsion technology across a range of applications,” said Laakmann.

The drive is remarkable for its near-silent operation. By connecting the motor directly to the propeller and eliminating gearboxes and long driveshafts, it has fewer moving parts than internal combustion systems, reducing energy loss and enhancing efficiency. It features long-life bearings—with a lifespan of 40,000 mi (64,000 km)/48 months—and sensors monitoring the system’s health and performance in real time. Its modular design allows components to be easily disassembled and serviced.

The VS-Drive produces 65 kW cruise and 110 kW peak power, with 400-N·m (295 lb·ft) peak torque.

Vessev designs and builds its vessels in-house with an assembled team that brings together experts with backgrounds from the America’s Cup, Rocket Lab, Apple, Google, and Tesla.

Its commercially certified, battery-electric VS-9 hydrofoiling catamaran is 29.4 ft (8.95 m) long with a 10.2-ft (3.1-m) beam. The draft of the carbon-fiber-composite hull craft is 20-59 in (500-1500 mm). Its carbon-fiber foils are fully retractable.

It has a 25-kt cruise speed and 30-kt top speed. Its range at cruising speed is 40 nmi with a full load and 50 nmi at a light load. Its capacity is 10 passengers and 1 skipper, with easy seakeeping in up to 30-in (750-mm) waves.

Charging with DC is up to 90 kW, with AC up to 22 kW. The maximum charging rate is up to 0.8 nmi/min.