ePropulsion Pod Drive eSSA electric pod motor 12 and 20 kW 96 V

The ePropulsion Pod Drive eSSA series consists of 12 kW and 20 kW electric pod motors for sailboats, yachts, and other displacement vessels. The motor is mounted below the hull, which saves interior space and directs thrust straight backwards.

The modular eSSA architecture connects the motor, driver, battery, controls, and display within a single system. The Pod Drive eSSA is suitable for both new builds and repowering existing drives.

Available versions

• Pod Drive 12 eSSA: 12 kW, 96 V and item number PA-0000-00.
• Pod Drive 20 eSSA: 20 kW, 96 V and item number PB-0000-00.

Key features

• Direct-drive propulsion: no traditional gearbox required.
• Quiet and low-vibration: suitable for comfortable electric boating.
• Hydrogeneration: while sailing, the propeller can charge a suitable ePropulsion battery.
• Space-saving: the pod motor is located outside the boat; the driver and battery can be placed flexibly.
• Cooling: the motor is naturally cooled by the surrounding water; the separate driver is fan-cooled.
• Connectivity: supports ePropulsion Connectivity Service and system integration via eSSA.
• Application: suitable for new builds, conversion projects, and replacing an existing saildrive.

Power and suitable boats

Pod Drive 12 eSSA

Marinaut compares the performance practically to approx. 20 hp propulsion power up to 30 hp of thrust. As a selection guideline, this motor is used to bring boats of approx. 5,400 to 11,000 kg to cruising speed and boats of approx. 1,900 to 3,600 kg to hull speed.

Pod Drive 20 eSSA

Marinaut compares the performance practically to approx. 34 hp propulsion power up to 50 hp of thrust. As a selection guideline, this motor is used to bring boats of approx. 11,000 to 18,000 kg to cruising speed and boats of approx. 3,600 to 6,000 kg to hull speed.

These are practical guidelines, not guarantees. Actual performance depends on hull shape, waterline, load, propeller, wind, current, and battery installation.

Hydrogeneration while sailing

The Pod Drive 12 and 20 eSSA can generate electricity while sailing. Hydrogeneration works with a suitable ePropulsion battery and communication connection. The system starts at sufficient sailing speed, from about 6 km/h or when the shaft rotates at more than 800 rpm for four seconds. The battery charge must be lower than 90% and the control must be in neutral.

According to ePropulsion, the Pod Drive 12 eSSA can generate up to approx. 1,400 W under suitable conditions. Actual charging yield depends on sailing speed, propeller, installation, and conditions.

Technical specifications

Specification	Pod Drive 12 eSSA	Pod Drive 20 eSSA
Item number	PA-0000-00	PB-0000-00
EAN	6971312632613	6971312632903
Forward power	12 kW	20 kW
Reverse power	6 kW	10 kW
Nominal voltage	96 V DC	96 V DC
High-voltage input	86–115 V DC	86–115 V DC
Motor weight	22 kg	31 kg
Driver weight	9 kg	17.5 kg
Total motor and driver	31 kg	48.5 kg
Motor dimensions	603 × 420 × 122 mm	642 × 596 × 168 mm
Driver dimensions	285 × 250 × 192 mm	343 × 296 × 197 mm
Nominal rpm	1,700 rpm	1,500 rpm
Motor efficiency	86%	90%
Static thrust	1,750 N	2,900 N
Operating temperature	-5 °C to 55 °C	-5 °C to 55 °C
Hydrogeneration	Yes	Yes

Included as standard

The precise mounting parts differ per version. According to the official manual, the following parts are included, among others:

• Pod Drive 12 or Pod Drive 20 eSSA with separate driver.
• Bus Box 250A.
• Five-meter 96 V power cable.
• One-meter eSSA communication cable.
• Two ten-meter eSSA communication extension cables.
• Three- and five-way T-connectors.
• 120Ω and 360Ω terminators.
• 12 V fuse, fuse holder, and connection cable.
• Installation and mounting material for the pod.
• Two grounding cables.
• Mounting plate according to the chosen version.
• Manual and warranty card.

Not included

• 96 V battery and battery charger.
• Smart Throttle or Smart Side Mount Control.
• 5- or 10-inch Smart Display.
• Propeller.
• Any extra communication, installation, and extension cables.
• GPS and 4G antenna set.

The included five-meter 96 V power cable remains part of the set. Only additional battery cabling and any extension cables are not included.

Battery and control

Both motors operate on 96 V. The ePropulsion G102 series is suitable for integration within the eSSA system. The required battery capacity and the number of batteries depend on the motor power, desired runtime, and sailing profile.

Suitable control and display are required for operation. Available options include the Smart Throttle, Smart Side Mount Control, and the 5- or 10-inch Smart Display.

Propellers and mounting

Pod Drive 12 eSSA

• Stainless steel propeller 11 13/16 × 9 13/16 inch, right-hand rotation.
• Left-hand rotating version for dual or multiple installations.
• Folding propeller 13 × 9 3/4 inch for sailboats.
• Standard mounting plate for pod installation.
• Optional saildrive adapter for existing Yanmar SD25 and Volvo Penta 120S, 130S, and 150S openings.

Pod Drive 20 eSSA

• Stainless steel propeller 15 × 10 3/4 inch, right-hand rotation.
• Left-hand rotating propeller available for dual installations.
• Saildrive adapter as standard mounting configuration.

Documentation and advice

• Pod Drive 12 and 20 eSSA Manual
• Read more about electric boating and the required motor power
• Calculate the required motor and battery power for your boat