The Drive-Pod-16 is a modular hybrid propulsion system developed for displacement sailing and motor yachts between 10 and 14 metres, and can also be adapted to larger vessels or used as an auxiliary propulsion system on yachts up to 20 metres.

The submerged Pod integrates the motor, propeller and control electronics, reducing internal space requirements, vibration and onboard noise. It can be installed using the mounting points of an existing saildrive. The patented propeller maximises propulsive efficiency while improving manoeuvring precision and safety. The system uses expandable modular batteries, which can also power onboard services such as air conditioning. During manoeuvring and coastal navigation, the vessel can operate in fully electric, silent mode, while the generator comes into operation during longer passages. The mechanical separation between generator and propulsion system reduces noise, vibration and maintenance complexity.

System management is entrusted to an advanced ECU with telemetry and machine-learning algorithms. The Drive-Pod-16 can also integrate azimuth rotation for dynamic positioning applications. The propeller and fin are manufactured using recycled nylon sourced from end-of-life fishing equipment, combined with recycled carbon fibre. The structure makes extensive use of recyclable aluminium, while the new-generation synchronous motor uses no permanent magnets and therefore no rare-earth materials.

A further development step will involve the transition from the current LiFePO4 batteries to sodium-ion cells. Development of the system has been supported by MOST – National Centre for Sustainable Mobility, together with CNR-INM for testing and certification activities.

By combining Velettrica’s proprietary and patented technologies with advanced solutions developed by its technology partners, some of which are not yet commercially available, the Drive-Pod-16 delivers a propulsion system that goes beyond the current state of the art in terms of innovation, performance, sustainability and circularity.