A demonstrator to validate hydrogen propulsion
Chloé Zaied is a professional skipper in the heart of the calanques. Aware of the fragility of this ecosystem and the need to preserve it, she is thinking of a new generation of boats that will allow "to continue sailing while respecting the planet".
This is how the Hynova 40 was born, the first boat that runs on hydrogen. To do this, it receives two 220 kW motors in line with 3 batteries of 44 kWh in 615 volts. The hydrogen fuel cell then takes over. Read our test of the Hynova 40 .
"This is not a prototype, but a demonstrator. We wanted to get into the market very quickly to change things. The development of this demonstrator is proof that it is possible." says Chloe Zaied.
Serial production for the Hynova 42
After a promotional campaign on the Mediterranean coast during the summer of 2021, the founder is now launching the mass production of the Hynova 42 in her shipyard based in La Ciotat, whose construction should be as clean as its propulsion.
For the design, Chloé Zaied called on naval architect Gilles Vaton, with whom she collaborated on the lines of the boat. The result is an elegant dayboat of 12.80 m, with a huge sunbed on the back, a bowrider lounge on the front and a cockpit protected by a hard-top that can be closed to enjoy a dinner sheltered from the air, or on the contrary raised to enjoy a ventilation while sailing. Finally, a small cabin will allow you to change clothes. It can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
This model is available in 3 ranges:
The Hynova 42 will be equipped with the same EODev REXH2 (Range Extender Hydrogen) technology, a zero-emission technology, thanks to an electro-hydrogen propulsion.
The shipyard is aiming for a small series with a production of about 8 boats per year. This should start at the end of 2021. A smaller model and a larger one could also see the light of day. The entry price is 1,300,000 euros excluding tax, 60% of which is linked to the technology used.
Installing mobile hydrogen supply solutions
The major problem today remains the supply of hydrogen and in particular the installation of infrastructures in the ports. Chloé Zaied is in talks with the various authorities to make things happen.
"Technically, it's pretty easy to be able to fill up with hydrogen. But it's a question of education and supply process. We are in discussion with 8 ports and one of them has agreed to install a mobile solution. There are chargers for electric boats. All that remains is to create areas for hydrogen charging. We have already taken a first step forward by building a first boat, now the ports will follow us", concludes Chloé Zaied.
