New Zealand propulsion manufacturer ZeroJet has announced its first range of 48V electric inboard motors, extending its technology beyond electric jet propulsion to shaft and sail drive installations for new boats and repowers.
The E22 delivers 22kW of continuous power from an 18kg powertrain comprising the motor, closed-loop cooling system and controller.
The new engine is in final prototyping and testing with availability scheduled for 2027. Applications will include cruising yachts, sailing catamarans and day boats.
The larger E45 combines two motors in one housing, providing 45kW of continuous power and motor redundancy.
“For ZeroJet, this is a significant expansion of where our technology can be used,” said James Morton, chief executive of ZeroJet.
“Builders and owners have asked for our motor technology in an inboard format.
“This range gives them that option, whether they are developing a new boat or planning an electric repower.”
Nominal 48V electrical architecture
The E22 incorporates an integrated inverter and ZeroJet’s Carbon Cool Technology, a carbon cooling design intended to manage motor temperature under sustained load.
The integrated arrangement reduces the separate components required for installation.
Both models use a nominal 48V electrical architecture, open battery compatibility and CAN-bus communication, allowing builders to configure propulsion alongside a vessel’s battery and electrical systems.
Shaft and sail drive options support new builds and engine replacements.
Regeneration is standard, enabling sailing vessels to recharge batteries while under sail and providing an additional charging source during passages.
ZeroJet will supply the range through its network of electrification partners, which will support integration into different vessels.
McConaghy is among the first boatbuilders adopting the product line.
The company will introduce the motors at Metstrade 2026.
