Highfield Boats and ZeroJet Unveil EJET330: The First Production Battery-Powered, Jet Tender
After receiving recognition for the collaboration at the Boat Builder Awards at METS 2023, Highfield Boats, with ZeroJet, announces the production release of the Highfield EJET330, an electric, jet tender. This tender/RIB combines Highfield’s durability with ZeroJet’s new electric jet propulsion technology. The EJET330 stands out with its silent operation, zero emissions, and ease of use, making it a game-changer in the market. This collaboration underscores Highfield’s move to lead eco-friendly marine technology without sacrificing performance.
“We have been glad to tackle this challenge with ZeroJet. We are launching the world’s very first electric performance tender, offering a unique planing tender with adequate range and competitive pricing for the technology. The early response from the market has been very positive. I am delighted to see Highfield as a pioneer in the industry.”
Innovative Technology and Performance
The Highfield EJET330 features ZeroJet’s technology developed in New Zealand, integrating the RIB with ZeroJet’s 18kW (25HP) Jet Drive system. The EJET330 is a 3.36-metre RIB with a sturdy aluminium hull, a 1.82-metre beam, and a capacity for up to five passengers. It has an 11kWh 48V battery, reaching a maximum speed of 20 knots.
User Experience
Battery life and recharging times are noteworthy. Neil Mans, the Co-Founder of ZeroJet, explains: “For the average boatie, the battery would last an entire weekend of typical tender use.” Recharging takes around 2.5 hours with a fast charger or 5 hours with the standard charger.
Neil adds, “Driving an electric jet boat is the easiest experience you’ll ever have; it’s fast and fun. No loud engine noise means you can have a normal conversation while moving, with no smell of burned fuel. With the jet and battery below the floor and not taking up valuable space, this makes it the largest small boat on the market with plenty of storage onboard. Thanks to the electric jet, the boat has practically no draught, so it can skim over shallow ecosystems and easily ‘beach’, while no exposed propeller increases safety for swimmers.”
Some of the standout benefits would have to be the zero speed control; being an electric motor means it does not need to “idle.” No more jumping in and out of gear to move the boat around. This boat can literally turn 360 degrees on the spot; it’s nimble and manoeuvrable, providing an intuitive feeling even for inexperienced users. When you’re done, simply plug it in, and it’s ready for your next use.
ZeroJet’s jet pump and compact electric motor weigh 50% less than a comparable outboard motor, while the 48V LiFePO4 batteries (10kWh) are housed inside a waterproof battery case under the deck.
The EJET330 offers many benefits over traditional combustion engines, including no petrol or diesel emissions, less noise, fewer moving parts, and less maintenance, but the feature that is the most loved is the fact you don’t need to flush the engine after use! Gone are the days of having to stick a freshwater hose onto the back of the engine. Closed loop cooling solved this.
“ZeroJet uses the safest Lithium chemistry, Lithium Iron Phosphate, and a DNV-certified Dutch battery from Super B,” Neil explains. “Specialising in building their own electric motors and jet pumps from the ground up, with no gearboxes and a clever closed-loop cooling system, so no saltwater passes through components. All this adds up to make ZeroJet’s tech the highest performing 48V system in the market, producing 20kW continuous output, equivalent to 25hp.”
ZeroJet: Leading the Charge in Electric Marine Propulsion
ZeroJet, the proud recipient of a DAME Award at the METS boat show in 2023, is expanding its operations into the European market with the establishment of its first offshore office this year. ZeroJet’s technology is revolutionising the electric boat world and is poised to impact other markets, such as electric outboards. In the next few months, ZeroJet is set to release the highest power-to-weight electric outboard, showcasing its technological strength.
The company is collaborating with several prominent boat builders who are also adopting their electric systems. To support the increasing demand for its expanding product lines, ZeroJet is currently raising investment to accelerate its growth in the European and US markets.
For further information visit : https://www.highfieldboats.com/ejet330/
